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‘Swim
Towards 2005’ was launched in 1999 as an initiative of the
Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust. The key objective of the
campaign was to achieve swimmable water quality in the Lake. This
has almost become a reality, with water quality levels being sufficiently
high that swimming is feasible as long as it hasn't rained in the
previous few days. Because of this Parramatta City Council has decided
that swimming will nce again be allowed in the lake as long as it
is at an event under the auspices of a club and organised with council.
This
outstanding achievement displays the positive outcomes that can
be obtained through effective catchment management. A further positive
of this program is the successful partnership of three key organisations
to achieve this result – Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust,
Parramatta City Council and Baulkham Hills Shire Council.
The Freshwater Festival, held on the 3rd of December was a community
celebration, with an emphasis on public swimming, associated water
activities, healthy outdoor living and ongoing environmental sustainability.
Though the planned swimming events did not occur, due to the rain
which fell the day before, and the canoe tours were called off to
be on the safe side, the day itself was a big success with 1300
people attending. Amongst these were Trust Chairman Bob Junor, Trustees
Pam Smith and Paul Barber (also Deputy Lord Mayor of Parramatta),
Federal member for Parramatta, the Hon. Julie Owen MP, David Borger
the Lord Mayor of Parramatta City Council and Clean Up Australia's
chairman Ian Kiernan AO. The State life saving team from the Royal
Life Saving Society of Australia came to act as the life guards
for the day (and are looking forward to coming back to the lake
if another day is organised), and providing a little bit of old
fashioned glamour and light hearted humour were the Aquacade Sisters.
There
were:
• Displays, demonstrations
and activities including outdoor recreation and
safety, environmental practices and historical reflections.
• Totem Tennis World Record Attempt - 108 people played for
11min 32sec (awaiting confirmation of success)
• Rides
• Native wildlife shows
• Live entertainment
• Food stalls
• Guided walks
Here are some photos from the
day...
(click on photo
for larger image)
   
Images ©
David Wallace Photography 2006
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