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News>Innovative drainage protecting Heritage Park
| Media release: 19 August 2009 | |
With water conservation such a major issue across the community, the launch of the innovative Water Sensitive Urban Design drainage project at Nobelius Heritage Park, Emerald is a sign of things to come.
The Minister for Water, Tim Holding launched the project, supported by the Mayor of Cardinia Shire Council Cr Bill Pearson and Ranges Ward Councillors Ed Chatwin and Graeme Legge.
The $500,000 project, funded in partnership with Melbourne Water, ensures future environmental and ecological benefits for the heritage-significant site. Melbourne Water contributed $347,000 to the project through the Living Rivers Stormwater Program.
Sediments, pollutants and heavy metals and oils are captured before discharge into the stormwater system. As a result, Council expects 125 kg of nitrogen and 15 tonnes of sediments will be removed from the site each year, protecting the landscape from erosion and creating habitat for wildlife.
The unique system includes two large custom-designed sediment traps that treat water discharging into the heritage park from surrounding areas.
Melbourne Water’s General Manager of Waterways Chris Chesterfield commented that stormwater was the biggest threat to waterways because of the pollutants it carried from hard surfaces such as roads and roofs.
“This project is a great example of partnering with local government to lower stormwater pollution as well as reduce erosion through water sensitive urban design,” said Mr Chesterfield.
Cr Chatwin said the use of water sensitive urban design at Nobelius Heritage Park is a ‘first’ for Cardinia Shire Council.
Cr Chatwin said the primary objectives of this drainage scheme are to improve the water quality and minimise the erosion through this highly valued park.
“This successful project has been nominated for two environmental and sustainability awards.
“When it rains, storm water now cascades over the dry rock and mesh borders (known as gabions) in an open swale drain along the Princess Avenue frontage,” Cr Chatwin said.
“Waters are cleaned through the process before washing into the storm water pipes, eventually ending up in Port Phillip Bay.”
Cr Legge described the sunken rain gardens that form part of the drainage system as “beautiful plantations of deep rooted indigenous and native plants and grasses planted in loamy sand material.”
“The soils filter nutrients before dispersed water flows into the Treganowan and Nobelius Lakes at Emerald Lake Park improving water quality,” he said.
The project has strong support from MP Tammy Lobato and the park’s Committee of Management.
“This project is a leading example of how Water Sensitive Urban Design drainage can be incorporated into environmentally sensitive and steep terrain sites and look spectacular,” added Cr Legge.
“The project has extended the knowledge and skill base of all involved, ready for future WSUD projects.”
More information is available from Cardinia Shire Council and signage at Nobelius Heritage Park explains the alternative drainage system.
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