Located at the northern end of Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne, Hobsons Bay City Council has installed an innovative, environmentally friendly garden that uses rainwater to keep plants and grass watered, while filtering the runoff.
The garden, which is located at one of Council’s Community Centres, collects rainwater from the building’s roof via a downpipe, which flows out to water the plants. The garden’s layered porous soil then filters the water so that any excess water entering storm drains is cleaner. This improves the quality of water entering Port Phillip Bay.
Council’s Sustainable Environment Advisory Group Chair, Councillor Angela Altair, said that protecting the environment is a top priority for Hobsons Bay.
“Victoria is suffering one of its worst droughts in years as a result of climate change,” she said. “We are currently in stage 3a water restrictions, so projects that make the most of our natural resources, such as rainwater, are vital.
“Ensuring that our waterways are clean is important to avoid the risk of disease and the harmful effects of pollution on wildlife, aquatic life and our diverse natural habitats, such as wetlands and coastline.
“The rain garden is a great example of good environmental practice.”
Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Councillor Bill Baarini, said the project is part of Council’s ongoing work to protect the local environment.
“Council already pursues a range of environmental initiatives to promote sustainable practices in the community, such as recycling and tree planting,” he said. “If we avoid littering and keep our environment clean, the water in our creeks and the bay will be cleaner for us and for local wildlife.
“The water we save by collecting it in a rain garden can also help to ease the pressure on our drinking water supply.
“If we all do our bit towards protecting the environment, the effects of climate change on our day to day lives will be significantly reduced.”
Council plans to open a second rainwater garden at another community centre at the end of February.
The project has been funded by Melbourne Water’s Living Rivers program, which aims to improve water quality in Melbourne’s creeks and rivers and in Port Phillip Bay.
For further information contact Andrew Shannon, Hobsons Bay’s Coordinator Environment Planning, on (03) 9932 1000.
