18 January 2007
BANYAN RESERVE PROJECT TO PROTECT CREEKS AND BAY
Construction is due to begin this Friday on a $1 million project at Banyan Reserve in Carrum Downs to protect local waterways and Port Phillip Bay from pollution.
Melbourne Water general manager waterways, Chris Chesterfield, said a new wetland, litter trap and raingarden would be built in the existing retarding basin to reduce stormwater pollution.
"These works will reduce litter and other pollutants from our streets and pavements reaching local waterways and Port Phillip Bay," Mr Chesterfield said.
Mr Chesterfield said stormwater from an underground drain would be diverted through the litter trap, wetland and raingarden.
"Plants within the wetland and raingarden will naturally filter pollutants and sediment from the stormwater before it is returned to the drain and flows into the Bay."
"Not only will this wetland help to protect the Bay from pollution and litter, it will eventually become an enjoyable community asset when works are completed later this year," Mr Chesterfield said.
In addition to hundreds of plants and several new trees that will be added around the wetland, a special 'raingarden' will be constructed, which is an innovative new solution to stormwater pollution being trialled by Melbourne Water.
"The stormwater will flow from the wetland into a large raingarden for further natural treatment. A raingarden is a special type of garden that uses stormwater instead of drinking water to irrigate the plants.
"Raingardens have a dual benefit of saving our precious drinking water and protecting river health," Mr Chesterfield said.
To minimise impact on the local community, access to the reserve car park and sports oval will not be disrupted. The area immediately around the site will be fenced off to ensure public safety.
Works will be carried out on weekdays from 7am to 5.30pm. Construction work is expected to be completed by August, with planting in the wetland and surrounding areas proposed for later in the year.
"There will be trucks and other machinery entering and leaving the site entrance on Luscombe Avenue but we will make every effort to keep disruption to a minimum," Mr Chesterfield said.
Your Drainage Rate at work - this project is funded from drainage rate contributions.