A group of knowledgeable and passionate community members will help develop potential solutions to improve the health of the Karaaf Wetlands.
The Karaaf Wetlands Community Reference Group will work with the Surf Coast Shire Council to address the impact of stormwater on the saltmarsh and ensure its future health.
Group chair Jeff Rigby said 11 like-minded volunteers would work on projects and initiatives to improve the quality of stormwater flowing into the wetlands from north Torquay.
“The future of the Karaaf Wetlands is dependent on positive and proactive action,” he said.
“We aim to address adverse impacts to the ecological health of the wetlands with increased stormwater from urban expansion in north Torquay.
“Each of us has an opportunity and is expected to act in the best interests of the community by sharing our local knowledge with council.”
The group will provide input on key projects, including developing stormwater diversion options and quality and monitoring improvement in the constructed wetland system.
Surf Coast Shire Mayor Liz Pattison said the reference group allowed council to use the different skillsets available within the community.
“We are really fortunate to have so many locals who care about the Karaaf Wetlands,” she said.
“We know that stormwater systems are complex, solutions can be expensive, and we want to get it right, so the more information we have, the better.
“We must make sure any diversion or improvement works are carefully considered to ensure there aren’t any unintended impacts.”
Council will also set up ecological monitoring of the Karaaf Wetlands, and water level monitoring at two constructed wetland sights will also be set up to help measure the effectiveness of any actions taken.
