Lakelands development for Lara community

THE $2.25 million Lara Lakelands Reserve initiative to manage stormwater and create a larger bird habitat and recreational space has reached a key milestone.

The City of Greater Geelong has advertised the tender for the “clever and creative” project will expand the existing wetland by about 6000 square metres and work will be completed in two stages to minimise any environment impact.

Windermere Ward councillor Kylie Grzybek said the works would create a healthier wetland.

Under the plan, stormwater from housing estates will be directed through a new wetland to filter sediment and pollutants before the water enters the existing southern wetland.

“The final design meets our key objectives of preserving native vegetation and bird habitat, ensuring the wetland plantings are sustainable and maintaining public open space,” Cr Grzybek said.

Earthworks to shape the wetland will be carried out next year from March to August, to avoid any impact on the Latham’s Snipe shorebird which migrates between Japan and south-eastern Australian.

Windermere ward councillor Anthony Aitken said the planting of aquatic-based species would follow from September 2022 to February 2023.

“The timing will ensure that the heavier construction works will not interfere with critical bird life, such as the migratory Latham’s Snipe, which relies on the wetland,” Cr Aitken said.

“Once finished, this project will be a beautiful space for the Lara community to enjoy and will add to the biodiversity in our north.”

Lara Lakelands is one of more than 100 individual wetlands across Greater Geelong, with many listed for their international importance for resident waterbirds and migratory shorebirds.

Collectively, they make up one of the most important waterbird areas in Australia and host the highest concentration of several migratory shorebird species in Victoria.