Moonee Valley City Council, Victoria, is restoring the ponds in an Essendon park to native wetland, helping deliver on its promise of a green Moonee Valley by 2040.
The project at Woodlands Park, which is being funded by City West Water, Melbourne Water and Council, includes an innovative stormwater catchment system.
Stormwater from the surrounding area will be collected and treated through the wetland, providing a more sustainable water supply to irrigate the park.
Mayor, Narelle Sharpe, said returning the ponds to a functional wetland is also an important step in conserving the biodiversity of the area.
“Historic photos from the 1940s show an extensive wetland system than ran right through this historic part of Essendon and we want to restore it to how it would originally have operated.
“It will also help provide a wetland habitat for the native fauna, including turtles, Buff Banded Rails, the Australian Hobby and Herons.”
The project will include re-lining and upgrading the existing ponds, new drainage infrastructure, the installation of rockwork and erosion protection, wetland planting and a bridge crossing between the ponds.
City West Water has provided $580,000 in funding, Melbourne Water is contributing $300,000 and Council $420,000.
Construction on the project started in May and works are expected to be completed later this year.
