Greater Sydney Parklands

Caring for the Parramatta River

We have a big responsibility – to care for our rivers. To do this we must look after the waterways and the surrounding area. 

Person with blonde hair wearing a cap reading a book on the grassy riverbank

People use the Parramatta River for many things. They go there to walk, play, relax, ride bikes, fish, or even catch a ferry! It’s a special place where city life and nature come together.  
 

People walking and cycling in Parramatta Park on the cycle path

[Image: People cycling and walking at Parramatta Park. Greater Sydney Parklands]

However, the river also needs our care. Sometimes, the water gets polluted. This happens when things that don’t belong in the river — like rubbish, dog poo, or chemicals — get washed into it. These things can harm the river.  

 

Plastic bag floating in river

[Image: plastic pollution in river. Peter Sherratt/DCCEEW 140690]

How does this happen? When it rains, water runs off roofs, roads, and playgrounds. It flows into drains, which lead straight into creeks and rivers. Wind can blow light rubbish like chip packets into creeks which lead into the river. That means rubbish that is dropped far away from the river can still end up in the water. 

 

Rubbish on a street kerb

[Image: Rubbish in roadside gutter]

 

Here are some things we can do to help:  

  • Always put rubbish in the bin  
     
  • Pick up after our pets  
     
  • Don’t throw things into drains  
     
  • Use less plastic  
     
  • Join clean-up events  
     
  • Teach others to care for the river 

 

Group of people picking up rubbish on a riverbank

[Image: People picking up rubbish on a sandy riverbank]

 

Activities

Rubbish Detectives Walk

Activity: To investigate how rubbish can enter waterways

  1. Walk around the school yard and look for places where rubbish can be washed into drains when it rains.   
     
  2. When rubbish is found, put it in the bin.  
     
  3. Use flags to mark areas that might send rubbish to the river.  
     
  4. Discuss: How could we stop this? What actions could we take?  
     
Keep Our River Clean

Activity: To communicate actions that can protect rivers

  1. Students create a poster to encourage others to protect our rivers.  
     
  2. Choose a slogan such as “Don’t litter”, “Put it in the bin”, “Keep our river clean!”, or something of their choosing.  
     
  3. Illustrate it with images showing how to care for the river, e.g. putting rubbish in the bin. 

 

Posters can be displayed in class or shared with other classes

Resources and references

Resources:

https://www.ourlivingriver.com.au/interactive-map/ 

This can be a useful resource to explore activities and uses on Parramatta River. 

 

References:

Image 1: Person reading on banks of Parramatta River. Source: https://www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/parramatta-park/plan-your-visit-parramatta-park 

Image 2: People cycling and walking in Parramatta Park. Source: https://www.greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au/sports-and-fitness-parramatta-park 

Image 3: Plastic pollution in river. Source: https://images.environment.nsw.gov.au/ Image 140690 Peter Sherratt/DCCEEW

Image 4: Rubbish in roadside gutter. Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-pile-of-garbage-sitting-on-the-side-of-a-road-qVYcv4grIeA 

Image 5: People picking up rubbish on sandy riverbank. Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/volunteers-cleaning-up-trash-on-a-beach-by-the-water-FJRYUL_YHXg