Surf Coast Shire sets new standards for stormwater treatment

THE Surf Coast Shire council has adopted new stormwater treatment design standards for future developments within the shire.

These standards aim to ensure the inclusion of well-designed and functional water sensitive urban design assets, enhancing the Karaaf Wetlands’ health and the surrounding environment.

The initiative stems from the council’s commitment to the Karaaf Wetlands’ wellbeing, offering developers a clear path to meet the council’s environmental standards in new subdivisions.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattison said the shire was lifting its game when it came to environmentally responsible infrastructure.

“These new standards reflect what we have learned about the impact storm water has on places like the Karaaf wetlands,” Cr Pattison said.

“We’re lifting our game by setting clear expectations for developers to design and deliver infrastructure that protects our environment across the shire.

“It’s so important that we facilitate responsible development that meets best practice environmental standards.”

The design standards call for the integration of stormwater treatment solutions such as constructed wetlands, sediment ponds, bio-retention swales, and gross pollutant traps, which are crucial for the quality treatment of stormwater runoff.

The critical importance of the Karaaf Wetlands was highlighted by recent visits from Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek and Corangamite MP Libby Coker, following the Albanese government’s confirmation of $1.9 million in funding for the wetlands’ improvement.

This funding, announced ahead of the 2022 federal election, aims to mitigate the impacts of stormwater by reducing and diverting high volumes of freshwater, thus protecting the wetlands’ ecosystem and threatened coastal saltmarsh plants.