Sections of Tuggeranong Creek in Calwell have been restored, with native plants and grasses replacing concrete to help improve habitat and the quality of the water flowing into Lake Tuggeranong.
Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury said that the new water plants will trap sediments and absorb nutrients and pollution and reduce the risk of blue-green algal blooms.
“This project to re-naturalise a section of Tuggeranong Creek Channel was designed to help restore creek health and improve water quality entering Lake Tuggeranong,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“Concrete sections of the creek have been removed and replaced with naturalised creek bed, with thousands of water plants planted at the site providing important habitat for native wildlife such as water bugs, yabbies and water birds. These plants will also absorb nutrients and pollutants, preventing them from entering Lake Tuggeranong and helping to, reduce the formation of algal blooms.
“The creek channel has been widened to slow the water down, allowing it to filter into the soil and support the surrounding landscape. The water plants will grow over the next couple of years to create a beautiful landscape and the t. Two viewing platforms will provide a space for the community to enjoy the plants and animals that will flourish there.
“This is a great achievement for Canberra, and just one of several innovative projects, such as surface wetlands, floating wetlands and rain gardens, that are trialling improvements in stormwater quality and waterway health.
“The Healthy Waterways program is helping to deliver on the goals of the ACT Water Strategy 2014-44. The government is currently seeking feedback from the community on changes to the strategy which aim to find new and adaptable ways to care for our waterways in the ACT.
“We all have a part to play in improving the health of our waterways. Each simple step like preventing leaves, grass clippings and fertilisers from getting into our waterways, can make a big difference,” Minister Rattenbury said.
