Improving the health of the Yarra River through litter reduction: Hydrodynamics of Litter Study Report
Project status
July 2024
- The Hydrodynamics of Litter Study is now complete and key findings will inform future litter trap design and locations.
- View the Hydrodynamic Litter Study Report here.
Background
Parks Victoria is the waterway manager for the Yarra River and Maribyrnong River under the Marine Safety Act 2010 and Waterway Industry Act 1994. As part of its waterway manager role, Parks Victoria runs an extensive litter program aimed at intercepting and removing litter from our waterways before it enters Port Phillip.
Parks Victoria was successful in obtaining a project grant in 2021 to implement a suite of litter reduction initiatives to improve water quality for the benefit of threatened migratory species in the lower Yarra River and Port Phillip by improving the health of the Yarra River through litter reduction.
Project outputs for the improved health of the Yarra River through litter reduction include:
- The build-ready design and trial of an in-river interceptor and conveyor belt system to concentrate and extract plastics.
- Purchase a vessel with an advanced vacuum litter collection system to remove rubbish from fringing riverbank vegetation and backwaters.
- The upgrade and improvement of existing litter barge and support vessel to reduce litter loss during the emptying of litter traps.
- The upgrading of Parks Victoria litter trap processing facility at Burnley Depot, to improve litter management, sorting and recycling.
- The installation of new litter to booms and diversion barriers to improve the effectiveness of existing traps.
- Research into next generation litter traps to improve their efficiency and capture capabilities.
- A report investigating the hydrodynamics of the river system to inform future trap design and locations.
The study report
This study aimed to assess the performance and identify improvements to the existing litter traps on the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers. Recommendations were made regarding alterations to the current trap network or the development of the next generation of litter traps and devices. In addition, the study also assessed whether the hydrodynamic conditions, litter types and quantities, and movement patterns in the project area are suited to the existing type of litter traps.
Above: Bandalong litter trap on the Yarra River
Above: Automatic river cleaner on the Yarra River
Project partner and funding
This study was commissioned by Parks Victoria, and is funded by the Victorian Government, through funding from the Federal Government.
Staying updated
For general enquiries email engage@parks.vic.gov.au or call us on 13 1963
Further information regarding the project is available on the Australian Government website
FAQs
What is the outcome of the study?
The study revealed key factors influencing current trap effectiveness including the location of traps, flow direction, and debris type. Recommendations include relocating some traps and extending booms.
The evaluation of alternative litter management devices such as Bubble Barriers and conveyor belt systems highlighted their varying strengths and limitation in capturing different litter types based on size and operational needs.
The study underscored the significance of adopting an integrated litter management approach by taking a combined action approach to enhance litter capture efficiency and address the specific litter characteristics present in the the rivers.
Will the findings and recommendations identified in the study be implemented?
Recommendations for location adjustments to existing traps and for installation of diversion barriers have been implemented as of December 2023.
The report will be used to as a management tool to inform future litter trap designs and locations. It will help guide next generation litter traps to improve efficiency and capture capabilities, inform future management plans and inform best practice for the local operations team.
Where were the key implementation considerations?
Implementation considerations include feasibility, cost and collaborative efforts with stakeholders. Consideration was given to recreational and commercial users as both groups require safe navigation and contribute to the vibrant activation of our waterways.