Peter Coombs

Stormwater Shepherds are a global charity initiative targeting plastic litter and urban pollution in aquatic environments. Our mission is to guide and inform global communities on how to stop plastic and urban pollution at the source – the home, the business and the stormwater drain so all lifeforms can enjoy clean water for future generations. Urban generated pollution accounts for a staggering 80% of ocean plastic, producing approximately 8 million tons of ocean plastic litter annually and if the trend continues growing to 29 million tonnes by 2040. As the primary conveyor of pollution into local waterways, stormwater pollution usually starts in urban catchments. Downstream problems can stem from toxic chemicals and plastics entering our waterways and other pollutants - sediment, animal waste, organic matter, car emissions, and tyre rubber. Much of our pollution starts a long way from our beaches and rivers. It can also lead to entanglement and the bioaccumulation of chemical compounds in our food chains and inevitable ingestion by marine life, animals, and humans. Through a mix of blue, green and grey infrastructure, correct stormwater management will capture all contaminates before it ends up in our riparian environments, bays, harbours, and oceans and help mitigate surface water. A key pressure on local councils is the ability to manage the escalating progression and value of stormwater assets. Sadly, some councils face leaving stormwater assets off asset management records and maintenance programs from an insufficient operational budget. Stormwater Shepherds advocates for long-term sustainable approaches to successfully controlling pollution through correctly managed and funded stormwater. We are stormwater experts committed to improving the quality of our urban waterways through research, green and grey stormwater infrastructure, and knowledge sharing and assistance to governments, councils and the community nationally.