Blackburn Lake Sanctuary Wetlands ~ Stage 2

The wetlands are an initiative of Whitehorse City Council and Melbourne Water to rehabilitate the main inlet to the Lake. The benefits include:

• Upgrading the appearance of this part of the park
• Improved water quality, which has been a particular concern to Whitehorse Council and Melbourne Water in recent years
• Improved habitat for fauna by replanting the site with suitable indigenous species and the creation of water bodies
• A better park experience and improved accessibility for visitors
• Community involvement and education.

The wetlands are a major project from the Blackburn Lake Sanctuary Master Plan, which underwent extensive community consultation in 1998 / 1999.
The wetlands project is being undertaken in Stages:
Stage 1 which was constructed in 2002, includes a series of ponds to draw sediment from the water before it enters the lake. The rockwork helps to control erosion and water velocity and to oxygenate the water. Trails linking up to the new vehicle / pedestrian bridge were constructed in April 2003. Revegetation with indigenous species has commenced and will continue through Autumn 2003. Stage 1 was jointly funded by Melbourne Water and Council.

Stage 2 which began construction early in 2003 involves the creation of a filtration system for the water flow before it reaches the lake. Stage 2 includes:

• Earthworks to reshape and realign the existing creek to increase its potential for water quality treatment. This will create two secondary treatment ponds and expansive marsh areas to filter water entering the lake.
• Removal of vegetation necessary to construct the wetland. This includes exotic vegetation, being mostly woody debris from a large number of dead Willows near the head of the lake, as well as native vegetation, which required a Planning Permit.
• Intensive revegetation using local / indigenous species across the project site. The revegetation. which will include aquatic. semi-aquatic and terrestrial species, will vastly exceed the quantity of vegetation that needs to be removed to construct the wetlands. The intention of the planting is to filter the water before it enters the lake, to create an improved habitat for fauna and to enhance the appearance of the creek.
• Incorporation of "habitat trees" into the wetland design. Timber from dead trees will be reinstated into the wetlands to provide valuable habitat.

Melbourne Water, Council and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), through the Victorian Stormwater Action Program (VSAP), are jointly funding Stage 2. The local community is keenly involved in the project.

Other initiatives that relate to water quality improvement at the Lake include:

• Rehabilitation of the smaller inlet on the north-western side of the lake - completed by Council in 1998/99.
• Installation of four gross pollutant traps in 2001/02 along stormwater drains that feed the lake - a joint project between Council and the EPA / VSAP. The traps complement the wetland project.
• Carp control program

Formal process of Planning Approval was required for the removal of native vegetation for Stage 2 of the wetlands, before the project could commence.

For questions about the wetlands contact Allison Egan, Parks Planning & Recreation Department on 9262 6389.

Photographs by Ian Moodie (ParksWide). Text adapted from City of Whitehorse document.