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Increasing stormwater runoff from growth area estates is damaging nearby wetlands, many of which are largely saline environments, and the construction of the Sparrovale Wetlands site is considered crucial in alleviating the strain they\u2019re under.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe concept for the Sparrovale Wetlands came from the need for a sustainable drainage solution for Armstrong Creek,\u201d Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said in May 2020.<\/p>\n
Urgency around the issue recently stepped up with the wetlands being considered for Ramsar site listing that, if approved, triggers a series of mandatory actions from the local, state and federal government to ensure their environmental protection.<\/p>\n
According to COGG\u2019s Sparrovale Wetlands Master Plan released two years ago, the site is being developed in three phases.<\/p>\n
Phase one (2019-2022) states \u201ccompletion of major drainage infrastructure works, pest plant and animal control, protection of threatened species and preparation of a revegetation plan\u201d.<\/p>\n
Phase two (2022-2030) entails the establishment of public reserve, plus continued pest plant and animal control and revegetation.<\/p>\n
Phase three (2030-2040) is the connection of the Barwon River Trail to Geelong, and promotion of Sparrovale Wetlands as a key tourism, environmental, cultural and recreational site for the region.<\/p>\n
Geelong council\u2019s 2022-23 budget contains projected expenditure of more than $37 million over the next four years under its Armstrong Creek land acquisition program.<\/p>\n
A separate line item for the Sparrovale Wetlands Project Implementation has council budgeting a recurrent figure of $523,487 over the next four years.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE CITY of Greater Geelong (COGG) is mandatorily acquiring at least eight properties around Armstrong Creek to construct drainage from the estate areas and widen roads and intersections in the area. A majority of the properties are adjacent to Boundary Road that runs east-west across Torquay, Horseshoe Bend and Barwon Heads Roads, ending at the […]<\/p>\n