Green boost for Warralily creek restoration project

WARRALILY’s decade-long Green Spine creek restoration project is closer to completion thanks to the planting of more than 130,000 aquatic and terrestrial plants.

The plants were added in the estate on the east side of Barwon Heads Road and take the overall project tally to more 1.5 million stretching from Armstrong Creek through to Mount Duneed.

Warralily development manager Jeremy Minter said the recent planting would create a haven for wildlife and residents and help to preserve important ecological communities present in the lower reaches of the creek system.

“The most important outcome of the project has been the creation of a connected habitat and water quality ‘green spine’ that will ensure the ongoing sustainability of the local area and help protect the downstream Lake Connewarre RAMSAR wetlands.

“Warralily truly demonstrates that large scale land development can be achieved in an environmentally sustainable and responsible manner.

“It’s been an honour to work on this project and turn the previously degraded farmland into an ecological success story, that is also treasured by new residents who call Warralily home.”

The 47-hectare wetland and creek waterway project has been designed to protect and enhance habitat and sites of ecological and cultural significance, including the retention of hundreds of native trees.

The area has become a common site for pelicans, spoonbills, many species of ducks, swans and parrots, among others.

GbLA Landscape Architects, Australian Ecosystems, Ecology and Heritage Partners, Flora Victoria and the City of Greater Geelong contributed to the Green Spine project.

It has become one of Victoria’s most award-winning projects and has been recognised with over a dozen accolades for its environmental significance including a coveted Gold Design Award at the Good Design Awards in 2021.

When complete, the Green Spine will provide a strong framework and corridor for community connectivity to parks, wetlands, environmental areas, schools, community facilities and retail precincts.