The location of the wetland in the open space near the Daffodil Road entrance has been carefully investigated by our stormwater experts and was agreed to be the most suitable geographically to achieve the best natural filtration of the stormwater and cost considerations (see map of birds eye view).

The location of the wetland within Koolunga Reserve was identified during the scoping phase of the project as the site:

• Is relatively flat – wetlands become very challenging to design and construct on steep ground
• Has good access for construction and on-going maintenance via Daffodil Road
• Is large enough to accommodate a wetland even when taking the tree protection zones of the surrounding trees into consideration
• Has easy access to the existing Council stormwater pipe network
• Has a stable urban catchment upstream which is of a good size relative to the wetland’s footprint
• Does not contain other services (gas, electricity, telecommunications, etc.) which would cause conflicts for development

The option raised during the consultation process to relocate the wetland to the grassed area south-west of the site was investigated in the project scoping phase however is constrained due to:

• Lack of direct access to the Council stormwater pipe network; and
• Being too small to accommodate a wetland once the tree protection zones of the surrounding trees were taken into consideration.

We realise that the proposed location is also the largest open space area in the reserve where residents enjoy exercising their dogs. We also understand that the other open space to the west becomes boggy in colder months and is generally unusable for this type of open space recreation. So, we will explore the possibility of building up this open space area with an added layer of soil to improve the quality of the drainage and potentially incorporate raised pathways through the area for better access.

There will be an easement maintained between the new wetland and the houses backing onto the reserve for ongoing maintenance and CFA access will be via the Daffodil Rd entrance and some of the existing pine trees will have to be removed due to both safety and access concerns. No other trees will be impacted.

In response to the significant community interest in the proposed wetland, construction has been delayed until an amended design that encapsulates the community’s feedback is created.

We invite your opinion regarding the proposed wetland. Once agreed, there will be opportunities for the community to get involved with further design aspects of the wetland including planting and location of pathways.

The main purpose of the wetland is to create an environmentally friendly stormwater treatment wetland to filter stormwater runoff from surrounding urban areas before it enters Blind Creek waterway.

The works will include a new water quality/habitat wetland, seating areas, new path links; new plants and shrubs to improve plant diversity and habitat for wildlife at the reserve; as well as aquatic plants within the wetland to provide treatment functions and safe breeding areas for native fish, turtles, frogs and birdlife. The proposed wetland seeks to achieve multiple benefits for environment and community such as:

• Filtering pollutants washing off roofs, roads and other hard surfaces in the urban surrounds, preventing these pollutants entering Blind Creek
• Provision of habitat for native & indigenous flora (plants) and fauna (animals)

Other options were considered including the installation of Gross Pollutant Trap upstream of the creek. However, this option is very expensive and requires ongoing maintenance to collect rubbish and does not filter the water from impurities as effectively as the wetland does.

The water coming into the wetland from the stormwater pipe will provide a slow, constant flow so it is not anticipated that there will be an issue with mosquitos. Also, native fish will be introduced and they should also keep any potential mosquito population down

Safety measures such as barriers, safety fencing, signage and low lying wetland shrubs is considered in the design. Where possible the banks of the wetland comply with Melbourne Water safety criteria (MW 7251/12/006) which require flat sections to be built into the wetland’s bank profile. The flat sections are to be densely vegetated with sedges and reeds to inhibit direct interaction with the waterbody beyond. Where banks are steeper due to site constraints, a Melbourne Water standard farm fence (MW 7251/08/203) made of steel wires and timber posts will be constructed.

Access will be via the Daffodil Road reserve entry.

The wetland will assist in slowing stormwater during heavy rainfall but it will not eliminate flooding during exceptional storm/rain events.

This project has nothing to do with the planned Glengollan Village development. Council has not received any requests regarding extending the road through to Forest Rd from St Elmo Avenue.

Unfortunately, at this moment we are unable to provide details of the hydrological assessment. Impacts on the environment during the construction of the wetland will be informed by the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) which is required to be developed and submitted by construction contractor(s) during the tender process. The EMP is legally required for construction and forms part of the contractual documentation.

All of our bushland reserves and parks have seen an increase in demand throughout 2020 due to the COVID-19 restrictions. We do not envisage a dramatic increase in patronage of the reserve because of the wetland but we will monitor any feedback from the local community regarding this. There is of course a car park in the south east corner of the reserve near Forest Rd which we would encourage the community to use.

The wetland design should provide sheltered habitat for the wetland birds but we will have to monitor the situation and consider implementing a fox trapping program if necessary.