Tag: department of health

Health warnings lifted after Swan River sewage overflows – but communication failures remain a serious concern

The Department of Health (DoH) say it’s now safe to fish and eat fish and shellfish from parts of the Swan River impacted by recent sewage overflows because of burst Water Corp wastewater pipes.

No fishing signs have now been removed following confirmation from the Department of Health that water samples have returned to “relative/normal” background levels.

The signs had been installed in response to sewage overflows into the river over a fortnight ago caused by burst wastewater pipes in Spearwood and Hamilton Hill. Affected locations included areas near Dunkley Avenue (Applecross), Burke Drive (Alfred Cove), and Fremantle Sailing Club.

While we welcome confirmation that the immediate health risk has passed, Recfishwest remains deeply concerned about the way this incident was handled and communicated to the public — particularly to recreational fishers.

Fishers and local community members weren’t impressed with the lack of urgency, maps of affected areas or updates from Water Corp regarding the sewage leak and the minimal signage warning people to steer clear, with many left confused as to when they could return to fish for popular Swan River species such as flounder and flathead.

“It is unacceptable that the Water Corporation took so long to contact us about this serious incident,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland. “They’ve since apologised and blamed inter-agency communication failures — but that’s not good enough when our health and waterways are at risk.

“The Swan River is a treasured urban fishing haven – incidents should not occur like this in the first place. But if they do – timely, accurate information shared with fishers must be a priority as a bare minimum.

“We expect much better from agencies entrusted with protecting our environment and public health.”

While some physical signage was placed at affected locations, Recfishwest believes this response fell short of what is required when public health and community confidence are at risk.

In addition, Recfishwest is keen to understand what Water Corp is going to be doing to mitigate the impacts of the sewage overflows on the Swan River environment and our fishing experiences.

We will continue to press the agencies involved on these issues to ensure they remain accountable and fulfil their obligations to the thousands of WA fishers who fish the Swan River.

UPDATE: Latest update on the Swan River algal bloom

SWAN RIVER ALGAL BLOOM UPDATE 01 MAY 2020

Department of Health is reminding people that the warning associated with persisting toxic Alexandrium algal in the Swan and Canning Rivers remains in effect.

Fish, crabs or shellfish collected from within the following waterways should not be eaten due to the potential for unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish toxins:

  • Swan River – from Pelican Point, Crawley to the south of Perth Yacht Club, Applecross and upstream to Middle Swan (Reid Highway) Bridge. Middle Swan includes the commonly known areas of Como Jetty, Matilda Bay, Perth Waters, Elizabeth Quay, Barrack Street Jetty, Claisebrook Cove, Maylands Yacht Club, Ascot Waters, Hind Reserve, Riverside Gardens, Garvey Park, Sandy Beach Reserve, Point Reserve, Kings Meadow, Fish Market Reserve and Woodbridge Riverside Park.
  • Canning River – from the South of Perth Yacht Club and upstream to Kent Street Weir (this includes commonly known areas of Canning Bridge, Mt Henry Bridge, Salter Point, Shelley Bridge, Riverton Bridge, and Castledare).

For more information, click here.

NOTE: Despite Department of Health signs stating “NO FISHING”, there is no reason why you can’t continue to catch and release fish without any risk to your health in the affected areas.

More information on the algal bloom can be found in these FAQs

A map of the impacted area can be viewed below:

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions continues to conduct weekly water quality monitoring at an increased number of sites to track the extent of the bloom.

Mussels, crabs and fish are also being tested for the Alexandrium toxin. DoH and local riverfront councils have arranged for health warning signs advising against eating shellfish, crabs and fish to be erected at key riverfront locations including jetties, boat ramps and key accessible foreshore areas within the affected region.

It should be noted that swimming and other aquatic recreational activities on the Swan and Canning rivers are not impacted by the algal bloom, but as a general rule swimming should be avoided in areas of discoloured water.

DBCA is conducting weekly water quality monitoring at an increased number of sites to track the extent of the bloom.