Karaaf Wetlands and stormwater system assessments to guide future

Published on 15 July 2022

To help Council and several government and private organisations get a clearer picture of the impact stormwater runoff from housing in north Torquay is having on the Karaaf Wetlands, two independent assessments are underway.

One is assessing the environmental health of the Karaaf Wetlands and the other is looking at the functionality of the north Torquay stormwater system.  The full findings of both assessments are expected to be released in September.

Botanical field ecologist, Doug Frood, is assessing the environmental condition of the Karaaf Wetlands. Doug has more than 40 years of experience, specialising in flora survey and assessment in wetland and grassy ecosystems.

The environmental assessment will include:

• An audit of plant species, including invasive and freshwater sensitive species.
• Identifying areas experiencing dieback due to prolonged and/or infrequent inundation.
• Identifying other important ecological features or field observations relevant to stormwater flows, freshwater intrusion, inundation, infrastructure or land use.

Urban water specialists DesignFlow are evaluating the north Torquay stormwater system, including the constructed wetlands located near housing estates which capture residential stormwater runoff.  DesignFlow have extensive experience in sustainable urban water solutions, having designed hundreds of water sensitive urban design systems around Australia.

The stormwater system assessment will include:

• Reviewing the suitability and performance of the existing stormwater system and water sensitive urban design infrastructure.
• Identifying possible short-term and long-term interventions to reduce stormwater volume and to optimise the functionality of the stormwater system.

“These two assessments are important pieces of work, which will pinpoint the key issues and guide future investments in the stormwater system and the Wetlands,” Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton said.

“We know the Wadawurrung and the broader community are eager for everyone, including the three levels of government, to work together to protect the Karaaf.”

“These assessments will help community and government to get a clear consensus of what a healthy Karaaf looks like, and will provide valuable insights into how urban development can impact natural ecosystems.”

“Once the data gathering is complete we will have a better picture of what issues exist and what the next steps should be. This information will feed into the development of an integrated water management plan that reflects our commitment to preserving our environment now and into the future.”