PFAS contamination sites and dead platypus
Mapping "hazardous concentrations" of PFAS plumes on NSW waterways

A study "found alarmingly high levels of PFOS in the livers of eight dead platypuses, collected from waterways across NSW."

"…Due to the shape of the valley, groundwater from beneath the landfill "ultimately flows towards the Ourimbah Creek catchment”.

"When you look at some of the research that's coming through, clearly it's raw water, our waterways, that we also need to be concerned about because we know PFAS gets into wildlife."

"The research that I've seen, not just in platypus, but in some other species, is really frightening. If that isn't enough to get the government to act on looking at PFAS in waterways, not just drinking water, then I don't know what is."
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-07/pfas-contamination-investigation-ourimbah-creek-catchment-nsw/106037472

"Scientists...have discovered PFOS in the livers of eight deceased platypuses collected from numerous eastern NSW rivers, from the north coast in Bellingen to the alps of Jindabyne." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-20/australia-forever-chemicals-pfas-drinking-water-platypus/104244072

#rivers #water #pollution #biodiversity #wildlife #platypus #wetlands #NSW #roads #crashes #spills #landfill #runoff #petrol #PFAS #PFOS #FirefightingFoam #OurimbahCreek #Bellingen #governance

Tolerating the crushing of pedestrians, cyclists and wildlife with bull bars

" Bull bars are rigid or semi-rigid metal or composite frames mounted to the front of a vehicle.

Pedestrian deaths just reached an 18-year high. Bull bars are part of the problem
In 2025, 197 pedestrians were killed on Australian roads, the highest number since 2007. Almost every state recorded a noticeable spike in pedestrian deaths compared to last year.

Cyclist deaths also climbed to 49, up 32% from last year – the highest since 2013.
One key reason appears to be the growing size and weight of vehicles, which can increase the risk of death and injury.

Evidence shows bull bars can significantly increase the severity of pedestrian injuries, even in low-speed urban crashes.

Bull bars are not banned in Australian cities. Instead, they are regulated through design standards that are weaker than European pedestrian-protection rules. "
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https://theconversation.com/pedestrian-deaths-just-reached-an-18-year-high-bull-bars-are-part-of-the-problem-273362
#cars #SUVs #crashes #MobilityDesign #regulation #speeding #pedestrians #cyclists #wildlife #RoadTrauma #Bullbars #RooBars #VehicleRamming #HostileVehicleMitigation