Independent monitoring notes changes to Karaaf

INDEPENDENT monitoring has found both positive and negative changes to vegetation in the Karaaf Wetlands between Breamlea and Torquay.

The monitoring, now in its second year, is part of continuing work to improve the health of the saltmarsh, with findings providing baseline indications of progressive changes in vegetation structure or species and soil salinity at key sites.

The Surf Coast Shire is working alongside Community Reference Group members and other stakeholders to reduce both the volume and the impact of stormwater flow in the wetlands.

Positive changes noted include no further dieback, and regeneration of saltmarsh shrubs at several sites, particularly in areas where dieback due to stormwater flow was less extreme.

However, there has been a progressive expansion of areas affected by stormwater flows, including an increase in the abundance of brackish and freshwater vegetation types at some sites and substantial increase in typha grass growth at the wetlands’ western end.

The federal government has allocated $1.9 million across three years through the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program to assist with improving the health of the Karaaf.

This will support a stormwater diversion project, which will reduce stormwater flows from north Torquay to the wetlands.

Shire deputy Mayor Libby Stapleton said the shire appreciated the support of its partners on the important, long-term works.

 

“This baseline monitoring is critical to deepening our understanding of the dynamics of the Karaaf Wetlands ecology and the historic and current impacts of stormwater flows.

“Findings will help inform our careful steps forward and measure progress, as we continue working alongside all stakeholders including Barwon Water and The Sands Estate community.”

The shire has engaged a consultant to start detailed design of the diversion project, with construction scheduled to begin later this year.

It will include installation of a pump system from the Esplanade Wetland to an existing drainage network at the mouth of Deep Creek, along with adjustments to the Esplanade Wetland layout.

“The Karaaf Wetlands need to be protected and that’s what this project is all about – ensuring our unique, local environment is restored so that it can be enjoyed by future generations,” Corangamite federal member Libby Coker said.

“The community is driving this project alongside Barwon Water, the Surf Coast Shire Council, and the Commonwealth, it’s truly a great initiative and I looked forward to working with all partners as the work continues over the coming months.”

Recent work on the north Torquay stormwater system has included improvements to the function of sediment ponds and drains in the Zeally Sands constructed wetland.

The Zeally Sands clearing works are complete, but installation of jute matting and planting of some areas to help prevent erosion and weed growth will be completed in autumn.