Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

New ACT wetlands aims to protect environment and provide safe swimming

New ACT wetlands aims to protect environment and provide safe swimming
January 28, 2019

Construction has started on wetlands in the Fyshwick catchment that will clean stormwater flowing into Lake Burley Griffin and downstream into the Murrumbidgee River system.

The Narrabundah wetlands will be constructed along 420 metres of Jerrabomberra Creek and include a chain of six open water ponds. This will provide cleaner water and improved habitat for fish, birds and frogs, along with a wider, cleaner and better creek running through improved green space for the Narrabundah community to enjoy.

The aim is also to eventually see Canberrans return to regular swimming in Lake Burley Griffin

ACT Senator Zed Seselja joined the ACT Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Mick Gentleman to mark the occasion.

Minister Gentleman said three new wetlands would help clean the run-off from heavily urbanised, industrial, commercial and agricultural areas in the Fyshwick catchment, commneting "these new wetlands will help reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants flowing into Jerrabomberra Creek and on into Lake Burley Griffin.

“This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to protecting the ACT’s environment and keeping our local water catchments and habitats clean and safe for native species.

“The other two wetlands will be between Eyre St and the Jerrabomberra Wetlands in Kingston and on Jerrabomberra Creek off Dairy Road.”

Senator Seselja said the wetlands would play a critical role in improving water quality in the ACT, downstream in the Murrumbidgee River system and in the wider Murray–Darling Basin.

Senator Seselja added “the nature of the catchment, with its industrial and agricultural run-off, made it a priority from day one of the project."

Senator Seselja went on to tell The Canberra Times "I remember as a kid ... regularly swimming in Lake Burley Griffin. That used to be a regular recreational activity and it seems that happens a lot less these days in a number of lakes and waterways. 

"I envisage, and I'm sure Minister Gentleman would agree with this, that over time we would see a lot of people using the lake and a lot more people wanting to swim in the lake again. And (then we're) looking at all the flow on benefits when you attract people to a body of water like that."

However, the full benefits of the wetlands are unlikely to be felt in Lake Burley Griffin, and downstream in the Murrumbidgee River system - which has a blue-green algae bloom - until mid-2021, a project manager told The Canberra Times.

Until then, Senator Seselja has urged Canberrans to err on the side of caution when it came to swimming in local waterways, adding "the Australian Government is investing up to $85 million in ACT Healthy Waterways, which has the biggest footprint of any water quality infrastructure project ever undertaken in the ACT.

“Some of the individual projects are world-leaders in terms of size and scope and I’m glad to say the Healthy Waterways program is being delivered on time and on budget, which has allowed for an extra infrastructure project in Tuggeranong.

“All 20 infrastructure projects are scheduled for completion this year.”

In addition to infrastructure projects, ACT Healthy Waterways is funding two pioneering research projects into water quality, and the H2OK community education program promoting ‘only rain down the stormwater drain’.

For more information about ACT Healthy Waterways visit www.act.gov.au/H2OK

Related Articles

16th January 2019 - Design concept revealed for pool on Melbourne CBD river front

10th October 2018 - Floating pool proposed for Swan River at Perth’s Elizabeth Quay

19th July 2017 - NZRA applauds Freshwater Rescue Plan

23rd February 2017 - New Zealand Government announces plans to make 90% of waterways swimmable by 2040

15th January 2016 - Canberrans’ opportunity to explore the outdoors

18th December 2015 - ACT Parks highlights best local swimming spots

2nd December 2015 - ACT organisations back Royal Life Saving ACT for inaugural Canberra ‘A Day At The Lake’ event

11th November 2014 - ACT Parks and Conservation Service launches new accessibility program

14th May 2014 - 10-year review identifies drowning dangers of inland waterways


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Active World

Since 2019, Active World's development team has been delivering a comprehensive single solution that caters to the diverse requirements of successfully operated and managed leisure centres. The…

read more

Aquatics / Billing / Fitness / Recreation / Technology

 
 

revolutioniseSPORT

revolutioniseSPORT is the emerging market leader in online club management in Australia. Whether it is memberships, registrations, events, online sales or governance tools - revolutioniseSPORT is the…

read more

Recreation / Sport / Technology

 
 

Enta Australasia

As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as VIVATICKET Pty Ltd.  Click here to view the VIVATICKET Pty Ltd listing.  19th July 2018 - ENTA…

read more

Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

24/7 Software

The world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…

read more

Entertainment / Security / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

Otium Planning Group

Otium Planning Group is a contemporary sport and leisure consultancy providing services in planning, facility development, management and funding for the sport, recreation and leisure industries…

read more

Aquatics / Consultants / Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 

Technogym Australia

Technogym is the leading company in the Wellness and Fitness field all over the world. With 2,200 employees, 14 branches in Europe, U.S., South America, Asia  and Australia, Technogym exports its…

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

TicketSearch Pty Ltd

TicketSearch is focused on providing businesses, organisations, and venues with affordable, efficient, and powerful self-managed ticketing solutions. The organisation has offices in Australia, New…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

Yellowbox Lockers

Yellowbox is an Australian technology company that has developed smart locker technology operated through an app with a focus on experience for users and facility managers. Found at Beaches, Aquatic…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Entertainment / Retail / Security

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business