Rare birds threatened by fishing waste

Mayor Helen Patsikatheodorou surveys rubbish at Spavin Lake. Picture: Shawn Smits

Beer bottles and sharp fishing hooks have been found on the banks of Sunbury’s Spavin Lake in recent weeks, prompting Hume council to urge anglers to clean up after themselves.

Discarded nets and tangled lines, posing a threat to the area’s bird life, have also been found.

Mayor Helen Patsikatheodorou is encouraging lake users to do the right thing and carry bags to collect their rubbish.

‘‘While Spavin Lake has become a popular fishing spot in Sunbury, it is also home to a wide variety of rare birds,’’ she said.

‘‘These beautiful creatures can become trapped in fishing line or be badly injured by a fish hook.’’

The council has also investigated at least one incident involving the illegal dumping of hard waste at the picturesque reserve, off Spavin Drive.

‘‘Anyone who thinks that they can use the cover of darkness to abandon waste in our public areas should think again,’’ Cr Patsikatheodorou said.