Protecting our waterways

Staying informed is the first step to taking action. Our monthly newsletter shares local waterway updates, Council initiatives, upcoming events and practical tips for protecting the environment.

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Community voices help shape how Council and its partners tackle litter in the Elster Creek catchment. The Community Implementation Panel (CIP) brings together local residents, businesses and community groups from the participating Councils of Bayside, Port Phillip and Glen Eira to provide input on litter reduction initiatives and to inform projects for the Elster Creek Litter Collaboration. 

What is the Community Implementation Panel?

The CIP is a formal advisory group that helps guide the implementation of the Elster Creek Litter Action Plan. Members meet regularly to review progress, provide community perspectives and contribute to decision-making on litter management projects across the catchment.

Who can join?

The panel is open to Glen Eira residents and representatives of local businesses, schools or community organisations who have an interest in improving waterway health. No specialist knowledge is required — lived experience and community connection are valued.

How to get involved

Expressions of interest are accepted on an ongoing basis. Contact our Sustainability team by email sustainability@gleneira.vic.gov.au to find out about upcoming vacancies and how to apply.

For more on the Elster Creek Litter Action Plan, visit the Elster Creek Catchment Collaboration page

Litter dropped on streets, parks and footpaths doesn’t stay there, it often blows away or washes into stormwater drains that can connect directly to the Elster Creek and end up in Port Phillip Bay. Securing your rubbish and reducing litter is one of the most direct ways to protect our waterways.

Simple things you can do

• Use a bin — if you don't see one nearby, take your rubbish with you
• Secure your wheelie bin lid, especially on collection days
• Use a reusable bag instead of plastic bags, which easily become litter
• Pick up pet waste and dispose of it in a bin
• Participate in or organise a local clean-up in your street or park
• Report overflowing public bins to Council

Report a litter issue

If you see litter or dumped rubbish, report it to Council. You if see someone littering from a vehicle, this can be reported to EPA Victoria.

Stormwater drains are the direct link between our streets and our waterways. Blocked drains cause local flooding and allow accumulated litter and pollutants to surge into the waterway network when they do overflow.

What you can do

• Clear leaves, grass clippings and debris from the kerb drain in front of your property — especially before forecast rain
• Never dump rubbish, oil, paint or chemicals into a drain
• Avoid blowing or sweeping garden waste into the street or gutter
• Compost or bag lawn clippings rather than leaving them near drains

Report a blocked drain

If a stormwater drain near your property is blocked or damaged, contact Council to arrange an inspection.

Find out more about how Council maintains our drains here

Reducing the amount of water we use eases pressure on the stormwater system, reduces runoff into waterways and helps protect the long-term health of our shared water resources.

• Install a water-efficient showerhead or tap fittings
• Fix leaking taps and pipes promptly
• Water your garden in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
• Use a trigger hose or drip irrigation rather than a sprinkler
• Collect rainwater in a tank for use on gardens
• Choose drought-tolerant plants suited to Melbourne's climate
• Use a bucket instead of a hose to wash your car, or visit a car wash that recycles water

Check your water use

South East Water provides tools to help households reduce their water consumption. Visit their website to see what's available for Glen Eira residents.

Friends groups, community groups and volunteer organisations do vital hands-on work to restore habitat, remove weeds and monitor the health of Glen Eira's waterways and open spaces.

Local groups active in Glen Eira

• Friends of Elster Creek Trail, Glen Eira – planting and caring for indigenous plants along the Elster Creek Trail 
• Love Our Streets groups – picking up litter around Glen Eira and participating in citizen science
• Glen Eira Emergency Climate Action Network (GECAN) – focuses on many different sustainability initiatives including blue/green infrastructure

Find other sustainability groups on our website here. 

Council-supported volunteer programs

Council runs volunteer programs through the year, including waterway clean-up days and planting events. Subscribe to our sustainability newsletter to be notified of upcoming opportunities.

Sign up here.

Start your own group

Interested in starting a friends group in your local area? Contact Council's Sustainability team — we can provide advice, connect you with existing networks and help with resources. Email sustainability@gleneira.vic.gov.au 

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is an approach to managing rainwater and stormwater before it reaches the drainage network. Rather than letting this water rush off hard surface and into our waterways, small changes to your property can reduce runoff, improve water quality and support local biodiversity.

What is WSUD?

WSUD encompasses a range of design and gardening and infrastructure practices that work with the natural water cycle. At home, this might include a rainwater tank, a rain garden, permeable paving, a green roof or simply swapping lawn for native groundcover.

Ideas for your home

• Install a rainwater tank to capture roof runoff for garden use
• Create a rain garden in a low-lying area to filter and absorb stormwater
• Replace hard paving with permeable surfaces to allow water to soak into the ground
• Plant a dense native garden — deep-rooted plants absorb water and slow runoff
• Add a green wall or green roof to reduce stormwater from your building
• Direct downpipes to a garden bed or rain garden rather than straight to the drain

Learn more and find rebates

Visit our dedicated Water Sensitive Urban Design for the Home page for step-by-step guidance, project ideas and information on available rebates.