Upgrades have begun to improve the function of sediment ponds in Torquay’s Zeally Sands constructed wetland.
Works on the wetland between Rippleside Drive and The Sands started on July 1 and will continue for several weeks to remove sediment, dense vegetation and rocks.
Surf Coast Shire Council mayor Liz Pattison said the Zeally Sands wetland provided an important function for filtering stormwater before it enters The Sands Amenity Lakes.
“This project is part of our wider ongoing work addressing the quality and volume of stormwater impacting the Karaaf,” she said.
“A recent review of the network highlighted the need for clearing the Zeally Sands wetland sediment ponds and drains to improve their effectiveness.
“This wetland is part of the north Torquay stormwater network, which feeds into the adjoining culturally and environmentally significant Karaaf wetlands.
“We thank residents living near the wetland for their understanding as we complete this important environmental work, which should be complete by the end of July.”
Mayor Pattison said all the works would be completed under the supervision of qualified ecologists, with fauna like fish and eels relocated within the wetlands before excavation starts.
Zeally Sands wetland is part of the Torquay north catchment’s stormwater network and is the last constructed wetland in the system before the stormwater enters The Sands Amenity Lake system.
Contractors will have strict sediment management controls to help prevent disturbed sediment from running from the wetland before an excavator can remove it.
Rocks will be returned, and plants will be replaced once the maintenance excavation is completed, with traffic management in place around the works.
