In December 2019, ECF won a $20K Commonwealth grant, through the Communities Environment Program, to clean up industrial, maritime and household waste along the Port River in 2020. With covid affecting projects around Australia, the time-frame to implement grants was extended until 30 June, 2021.
Collecting the industrial and maritime material, south and north of the Snowden’s boat ramp, required very low tides and so the work was planned, with Maritime Constructions, for November/December.
Over 3 days from November 30, the crew pulled off the shoreline
- 6 mooring capstans which are being repurposed by the Girl Guides (2) and the Port Adelaide Sailing Club (4)
- some metal which will be recycled
- 19.5 tonnes of waste, which was mostly concrete
The most expensive waste material ($582) was pipe, which used to transfer waste to the River and was left when the operation ceased.
Thanks to Shane Walter (Port Adelaide Sailing Club) and Lyndon Zimmermann (Girl Guides) who were both keen to ensure the capstans remained nearby; they’ve taken on the work of securing their organisations’ agreement, cleaning, painting and combining with seats.
in January 2021, ECF and Maritime Constructions will revisit the clean up sites to determine the best use of a small amount of remaining funds.
Mooring capstans on shoreline
Cleaning the capstans’ bases
Shane Walter (PASC) checking capstans in place
Lyndon Zimmermann preparing capstans at GST Dolphin
Capstans repurposed at Girl Guides
Capstans being repurposed at PASC
Concrete being removed
Sheet metal being dragged off shoreline