The Surf Coast Shire Council will commence a stormwater diversion project aimed at ultimately reducing stormwater flows from north Torquay to the Karaaf Wetlands to pre-development levels.
At its May meeting, Council endorsed the establishment of a pump system from the Esplanade Wetland to the existing drainage network at the mouth of Deep Creek, along with adjustments to the Esplanade Wetland layout and removal of remaining weeds.
This option was chosen taking into consideration a technical report as well as other factors, and will be funded by the $1.9 million allocation from the Australian Government's Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.
Further investigation will be carried out to assess the environmental and social impacts of having additional water going through the mouth of Deep Creek to the ocean.
This is the first stage of work towards reducing stormwater flows from north Torquay to the Karaaf Wetlands to pre-development levels, and ultimately maximising the diversion of stormwater from north Torquay for productive re-use.
The pump system will divert around 300 megalitres of current flows away from the Karaaf while ensuring that water levels in the Sands lakes system are maintained. Further diversion is possible through the staged implementation of Barwon Water's potential alternative water grid project that would put treated stormwater to productive use.
This longer-term concept could see up to 600 megalitres being diverted by Barwon Water, returning inflows to the Karaaf to pre-development levels, if the project is realised.
Deputy Mayor Cr Mike Bodsworth said he was pleased that a stormwater diversion plan was in place to help protect the culturally and environmentally significant Karaaf Wetlands.
"Our priority will be delivering the first stage to provide some relief to the Karaaf, while developing plans for a second stage in preparation for future funding opportunities."
"The next phase of planning will be in greater detail, encompassing environmental impact analysis, regulatory approvals, further stakeholder engagement, detailed design and continued community engagement."
Cr Bodsworth acknowledged the strong community advocacy and input that has brought to this point in the project.
"This started with our community demanding that Council should do better in protecting the Karaaf saltmarsh, and has continued with the great advice of the community reference group in this most recent phase of planning."
"This has not only led us to reach this significant milestone, where we have an agreed path forward, but has also driven Council to make permanent improvements in how we plan for and maintain stormwater assets into the future."
"We will continue to work with all stakeholders, including Barwon Water and the Sands, on further reductions of stormwater inflows to the Karaaf, to further improve the quality of water leaving the north Torquay stormwater network and to maximise the diversion of stormwater from north Torquay for productive re-use."
