2 December 2011
Wetland to Clean Up Wallan Creek
- 7,000m2 wetland under construction
- 35,000 new plants
- A healthy boost for Wallan Creek
Work has begun on a $1.5 million wetland that will improve the health of Wallan Creek in Melbourne’s north, by capturing pollution in stormwater run-off.
Excavations at the Wallan Community Park begun in early November, where the 7000 square metre wetland, incorporating over 380 metres of pathways, will be completed over the next six months.
Melbourne Water Manager of Waterways Delivery for the Western Region, Gavan O’Neill, said the delivery of this important project was the culmination of over four years of consultation and planning with Council and the community.
“Wetlands act as environmental kidneys, filtering pollutants such as nitrogen, as well as motor oil and animal droppings from stormwater and preventing it from getting into local rivers and creeks,” Mr O’Neill said.
“Stormwater runoff is the main polluter of Melbourne’s waterways and this wetland is expected to prevent about 190 kilograms of nitrogen and around 57 kilograms of phosphorous from flowing into Wallan Creek every year.
“Over 35,000 aquatic plants and shrubs will be planted at the wetland to capture and treat pollution and help to create habitat for native fish and wildlife.”
Earthworks are expected to be completed by Christmas with minor civil works, planting and landscaping to follow in late summer and autumn next year.
The entire project will be finished in mid 2012 when the planting is completed.
Mr O’Neill said every effort would be made to minimise the impact of works on residents.
“Members of the project team will be available to answer questions from the community and provide an update on the works at the Wallan Community Market (Saturday December 10),” said Mr O’Neill.
The concept design for the wetland can be viewed online.
Media Contact: Jess Wurf (03) 9235 1587; 0427 171 274