25 March 2011
New Booklet Dives Deep into Bass River
Did you know:
- Seawater makes its way up the Bass River as far as the Bass township?
- The river is named after George Bass who discovered Western Port along with Matthew Flinders in 1798?
- The Bass is home to species numbering: 19 birds, 10 reptiles and 8 fish?
Visitors to Bass River can become full bottle on the wildlife, geography and history of the waterway following the release of a free booklet.
Know Your River – Bass River traces the history of the 30-kilometre waterway and chronicles the many species of animals and plants that live there.
The 75-page publication also explains how people can help protect the waterway, how stormwater pollution enters and affects the creek environment and Melbourne Water’s flood protection role in the Bass catchment.
Manager of Waterways (South-east Region), David Norman, said the Bass was a valuable natural asset, which was reflected by the level of interest and support by volunteers who dedicated much time to helping look after the river.
“Our role is to improve the health, amenity and water quality of waterways, but we are also about engaging the community and being a source of information about local rivers and creeks,” said Mr Norman.
“Whether you visit Bass River to relax on the banks or do a spot of fishing, the booklet is a great resource to broaden people’s knowledge of this local icon.”
Phil Westwood of the Friends of Bass Valley Bush Landcare Group Yarra River said local groups played a big part in caring for the waterway.
“My group is working to identify the plants and animals that live in the Bass River, caring for streamside vegetation and wildlife and providing advice on ways to minimise sedimentation,” said Mr Westwood.
“This booklet is a great way for people to learn about the Bass and help us look after it better.”
A free hard copy of Know Your River – Bass River can be obtained from the Phillip Island, Cowes, Inverloch and Wonthaggi visitor information centres.
Soft copies can be downloaded from the Healthy Waterways website.
Media Contact: Nicolas McGay (03) 9235 2278; 0438 981 836
Downloads
You will need Adobe Acrobat to access the above PDF documents. 