By Jena Carr
A Torquay citizen is asking for more action to reduce stormwater entering the Karaaf Wetlands.
During its April meeting, Surf Coast Shire Council decided to start looking at restoring a pump and pipe system under Torquay’s Esplanade as a possible option to limit stormwater going into the wetland.
The Sands Owners Corporation’s Andrew McCauley is a long-time advocate for the Karaaf’s welfare and said Council needed to address further the issues that concern the wetland.
“The council is at least now focused on finding a solution, it’s the action that’s missing,” he said.
“Right across the Karaaf there’s dieback of plant life everywhere and that’s caused by the stormwater that flows from North Torquay.”
Mr McCauley said a big problem in the Karaaf was the infestation of Typha, a freshwater weed that travels through the stormwater system and harms the saltwater wetland.
“The problem is it chokes stuff and explodes,” he said.
“It’s about halfway down the Karaaf already and that wasn’t here six months ago.”
Helping fix the Karaaf is among the Council’s priorities provided to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
It follows a request for information on allocating $1.9-million under the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.
Councillor Kate Gazzard said the Council’s funding would help progress “diversion and quality improvement options” in the Karaaf, but additional funding and work were still required.
“New developments in North Torquay expose the soil and, if proper measures aren’t in place, this is washed into the constructed wetlands,” she said.
“We’re committed to addressing the issues within our constructed wetlands and stormwater system and advocating for integrated water management solutions.
“It is essential that we make sure that developers and builders are doing the right thing to protect downstream environments like the Karaaf saltmarsh.”
Ms Gazzard said Council identified that the Esplanade pipe system could reduce stormwater going into the Karaaf by close to 50 per cent.
Council investigations have revealed that pumping water from the constructed wetland on Torquay Esplanade to the mouth of Deep Creek could be viable, but further work was needed.
