Yarra City Council is trialling a new permeable pavement in Clifton Hill, which offers a sustainable solution to traditional treatments.
Their pavement trial at Ramsden Oval carpark, funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, was installed last month and was developed using research from the University of Melbourne.
The pavement is made from around 70 per cent recycled tyres, sourced from a local Victorian facility, and is mixed with recycled glass and rock particles to give it the strength needed to sustain the weight of cars and other vehicles.
In addition to using recycled materials, the pavement also incorporates a water filtration system, which treats and stores storm water, protects tree growth and prevents flooding. Once the water is collected, any contaminants are removed via an activated media filter. The combination of the permeable pavement and the filter is the first time this technology has ever been used.
This project forms part of Yarra’s Integrated Water Management Plan which uses water sensitive urban design like permeable pavements to improve waterway health, better support tree growth in Yarra, and reduce waste by diverting it away from landfill. The performance of the pavement will be monitored over the next two years.
Mayor of Yarra, Sophie Wade says Council recognises the importance of water efficiency and the need to improve the health of our waterways.
“Water management is critical to strengthening our community’s resilience to the impacts climate change. Our waterways need to be protected and maintained so they support and enhance our local community and our connection to nature,” she said.
