Works are about to begin to dig out an invasive weed from the constructed wetland on The Esplanade at Whites Beach, Torquay.
The introduced species of Bulrush (also called Typha or Cumbungi) can choke waterways preventing other indigenous flora and fauna from growing. It has taken over most of the ponds at this site.
The works will start on Monday 28 March and take around two weeks. The excavation will be an extensive operation involving large scale diggers and trucks to cart away the weed.
Once removed, the weed will be placed in piles on site to drain before being loaded into skips and taken away to be processed into compost locally.
“While this wetland looks natural and lovely, it’s been overtaken by the bulrush weed, which is changing the dynamics of the wetland and impacting water flow,” Surf Coast Shire Councillor Kate Gazzard said.
“This clean-up program is part of a series of works Council is doing to improve the overall water management system for Torquay North. It will also help reinvigorate the local ecosystem by allowing other plants to grow and improve the habitat for a wider number of bird species.”
“Once removed, some of the bulrush weed will be offered to local artists to make pieces from, such as baskets, and the rest will be processed into compost locally, so it’s great to see it being reused.”
For a period of time, the removal of the weed will significantly alter the appearance of the site and the ponds in particular. The water in the ponds will be muddy and there will be muddy tracks from the earth moving equipment at the site for some time after the work is finished.
There’s likely to be some temporary odour from the mud once the weeds are cleared.
The access tracks around the ponds and to the beach will generally be open during the works period but paths in the immediate vicinity of the excavators will be closed and serviced by pedestrian traffic spotters.
