25 May 2009
MORNINGTON GETS NEW WETLAND
Melbourne Water has started work to create a $5 million wetland and retarding basin in Mornington that will improve the health of nearby waterways and provide a new habitat for wildlife.
The Tanti Creek Wetland and retarding basin will be constructed on 5.5 hectares of land adjacent to the Narambi Tourist Railway Station.
General Manager of Waterways, Chris Chesterfield, said the facility would improve the health of both Tanti Creek and Port Phillip Bay and increase flood protection in the area.
“This wetland will enhance the quality of water flowing into Tanti Creek and the bay by reducing stormwater pollution,” said Mr Chesterfield.
“Wetlands act as natural filters that soak up and break down pollution in stormwater before it gets into local rivers and creeks.”
“Stormwater run-off can carry a wide range of pollutants ranging from nitrogen that causes algal blooms, to motor oil and animal droppings that affect the health of fish and platypus.”
Mr Chesterfield said Melbourne Water had a target to remove 100 tonnes of nitrogen from the waterways system by 2010 to improve the health of Port Phillip Bay.
About 98 thousand plants will also be planted as part of the wetland project, creating a new habitat for thousands of birds, fish and other animals.
Melbourne Water has constructed more than 80 wetlands over the past ten years as part of a $60 million program to improve the health of waterways.
The Tanti Creek Wetland is one of many funded by the new waterways charge, introduced in July 2008 after Melbourne Water became the overall caretaker for rivers and creeks across an additional 5,000km2.
Melbourne Water acknowledges the assistance of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council in finalising the project, as well as VicTrack and the Mornington Railway Preservation Society.
The Waterways Alliance – a partnership between Melbourne Water, Ecodynamics, Fulton Hogan and SMEC – will construct the Tanti Creek Wetland.
The project is expected to be completed in March 2010.
Tanti Creek Wetland – Key Stats
| Area of Wetland | Approximately 5.5 hectares |
|---|---|
| Melways reference | 145 K5 |
| Soil moved to create wetland | 154,700 cubic metres |
| Number of workers on site during construction | 10 to 30 (approx) |
| Wetland due to be completed | Mid-2010 |
| Number of plants | 98 thousand |
| Estimated pollution prevented from flowing into Tanti Creek and Port Phillip Bay | 650 kilograms nitrogen 196 kilograms phosphorous 109,9000 kilograms suspended solids |
Media Contact: Gavin Rainsford (03) 9235 1587; 0400 690 502