Images of filth left behind by campers near Brogo Dam over the holiday break have left thousands fuming.
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Last week the BDN reported on piles of rubbish, broken camp chairs and even what appeared to be a wombat burrow used as a toilet on the banks of Nelson Creek.
The article was also picked up by the Illawarra Mercury and Sydney Morning Herald, and pushed through the Apple News app to readers everywhere. Condemnation of the unknown perpetrators was swift and furious.
Many readers were worried the area would be “locked up” to future enjoyment because of the bad behaviour of a minority.
While initial reports made reference to the location’s proximity to Wadbilliga National Park – and some readers decried the lack of NPWS rangers to prosecute such behaviour – the waters and banks surrounding Brogo River are under the responsibility of Water NSW.
Water and foreshore up to the high water mark in a catchment waterway comes under the remit of Water NSW, even if access to that foreshore is via National Park trails.
EDITORIAL: Even kids know to throw rubbish in a bin
A Water NSW spokesperson said they were disappointed in the behaviour “with what we consider an isolated incident – the vast majority of people do the right thing” .
They also said there was no need for concern as to the quality of drinking water from the catchment as it is fully treated to national standards before reaching consumers.
A spokeswoman for the office of Minister for Regional Water Niall Blair said that with regard to the management of catchment areas, regional foreshores do not involve the same level of catchment protection as those in the Sydney basin.
“It’s extremely disappointing to hear reports of litter and debris being left at a campsite near Brogo Dam,” she said.
“The particular site is not a designated camping area but as camping does occur, we expect that members of the public do the right thing so that everyone can enjoy the area, particularly over the busy holiday period.
“The site is accessed via the national park, but foreshore land below the high water mark is considered Water NSW land. There is rubbish collection closer to areas of Water NSW operational assets but not throughout the entire foreshore.”
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