Longer term works
Surf Coast Shire Council is working on a large-scale review on how the stormwater arrangements, under Council’s jurisdiction, impact on the Karaaf Wetlands. Council is working in collaboration with other agencies and community representatives on this project.
The Karaaf Wetlands are managed by Parks Victoria, and have a catchment that straddles several local government areas.
Surf Coast Shire Council is the stormwater drainage authority for parts of the catchment to the north and west of the wetlands.
The Karaaf wetlands are of high environmental, community and cultural heritage significance.
Council’s review will comprise four projects:
Project 1: An environmental assessment
An evidence-based assessment of the current environmental condition of the Karaaf Wetlands.
This is complete: View the report.
Project 2: Storm water network assessment
An assessment of the current state of the of the stormwater system, including a comparison of the system with the original masterplan design, and an assessment of how effectively the current system is operating in north Torquay
This is complete: View report.
Project 3: Stormwater diversion options
We have commenced a stormwater diversion project aimed at ultimately reducing stormwater flows from north Torquay to the Karaaf Wetlands to pre-development levels.
Council has endorsed the establishment of a pump 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.
Read more
Project 4: Improving stormwater quality and monitoring
Implement recommendations from Project 2 (improvements to the existing constructed wetland and stormwater system in Torquay North) to improve the quality of stormwater entering the Karaaf Wetlands.
Sediment removal an revegetation works need to occur outside of the migratory bird season, which is August to May.
Project 5: Multi-agency management approach
Assist relevant agencies to develop an Integrated Adaptive Management Approach for the long term future health of the Karaaf Wetlands.
This work is ongoing and regular meetings are being held.
Project 6: Planning framework
Develop an appropriate planning framework with the Sands Owners Corporation and Golf Club which clearly defines roles and responsibilities including an updated Section 173 agreement and Environment Management Plan.
This will be developed once project 3 is completed.