Jan Juc Creek undergoes restoration

THE Jan Juc Creek is being restored to a more natural state, improving waterway health.

As it enters the second stage of the project, underground drainage infrastructure will be removed and the creek channel recreated in a process known as daylighting.

Habitat, biodiversity and amenity values will be restored as part of the project along with significant stormwater quality improvements.

The quality of water flowing into the ocean will also be improved with the inclusion of a wetland area.

Cr Kate Gazzard said it was fantastic to see the project is progressing and more of the Jan Juc Creek being restored.

“With the creek running through the middle of Jan Juc, this reserve is used by locals all the time,” she said.

“To see it being returned to its natural state with native and Indigenous vegetation is great for local wildlife as well.”

Stage two of the works will include:

Removing an old low flow drainage pipe, which will return surface flows to the creek

Reforming the creek banks

Replanting Indigenous vegetation

Constructing a wetland upstream of Duffields Road

The first stage of the works were completed in 2015, where a 230 metre stretch of the creek was restored, focussing on a section of the creek west of Torquay Boulevard to the fork on Jan Juc Creek Reserve.

The latest works continue from the fork on Jan Juc Creek to Duffields Road.

Cr Gazzard thanked the Friends of Jan Juc Creek Reserve for approaching the council in 2012 with the initial idea for the restorations.

$700,000 in funding from the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action has allowed the second stage of work.

It’s expected the works will be completed at the end of November this year.

For more information, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au