Rehabilitating River Gum Creek in Hampton Park - A Healthy Waterways Initiative
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In October 2009, the Waterways Alliance on behalf of Melbourne Water began the second stage of works to rehabilitate River Gum Creek in Hampton Park.
Similar to Stage One immediately downstream, the project will create a series of vegetated wetland pools along River Gum Creek between Kilberry Boulevard and Quail Court as shown on the attached plan.
Once completed in December 2010 the wetland pools will naturally treat and reduce pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus in River Gum Creek and improve stormwater drainage in the area.
What’s happening?
In total about 50,000 cubic metres of soil will be excavated to complete the project with 25,000 cubic metres to be taken off site. At peak times we expect around eight trucks to carry soil from the site per hour.
Drainage and rock work in the creek and wetland pools will follow the completion of the earthworks.
It should take about five months, depending on the weather, to construct the project and prepare the area for revegetation planting.
Why are we rehabilitating River Gum Creek?
The rehabilitation of River Gum Creek is part Melbourne Water’s overall program to improve the health of our rivers and creeks by improving habitat values and reducing pollution levels in stormwater.
The constructed wetland pools are expected to remove about 1,300 kilograms of nitrogen a year and will also treat and reduce other pollutants such as suspended solids and phosphorus.
The project will also improve drainage in the area.
When will the area be revegetated?
Following construction, the area will be revegetated with over 200,000 native plants creating much improved habitat for wildlife like fish, birds and frogs. The plants will include a large number of aquatic plants, grasses, shrubs and trees.
The majority of planting is scheduled to occur in June 2010 with follow up planting planned for November 2010.
Access to River Gum Creek Reserve- what will happen to the paths?
Access to the project area in River Gum Creek Reserve will be closed during the works. The shared path on the western side of the creek, which is in poor condition, will be broken up and replaced with a new crushed rock path to be reopened at the completion of the project.
The shared path on the Eastern side of the creek will not be impacted by our project and will remain open during the works.
How will the project impact local residents?
We are committed to minimising the impacts of our project on local residents.
The schedule of works has been planned to minimise the amount of soil exposed at any one time to reduce the potential for dust. Water carts will also be used to reduce dust throughout the project and we will stop work during high winds.
Machinery noise is expected during project work hours, 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
What happened in Stage One of the project?
Construction of Stage One between Seebeck Drive and Quail Court was completed by Melbourne Water in March this year. The area will be revegetated as part of our works in Stage Two.
Contact us
For more information about the project call the Waterways Alliance on 03 9287 7334 or contact us online.