Yalukit William Nature Reserve’s once in a lifetime transformation from a former golf course has reach another milestone with early stages of the wetlands project now underway.
The large expanse of wetlands will encompass over 40% of the site and will provide tranquillity, critical wildlife habitat, 8 new vegetation habitat zones, and significantly improve water quality and stormwater management.
The wetlands will naturally filter pollutants and sediments from stormwater and improve water quality before it flows down Elster Creek and into Port Phillip Bay.
Increasing stormwater retention capacity will also conserve and recharge local water resources and slow the release of excess water, reducing flood risk, enhancing water quality and supporting a healthier aquatic ecosystem.
To prepare the 7.2-hectare wetlands area for ground works, we need to apply herbicide and steam to remove unwanted vegetation, including exotic grass and weeds. The herbicide and steam treatment will be applied 3 separate times between December and March (weather permitting), during which this section of the reserve will be closed to the public for up to 10-days each treatment.
The herbicide is not harmful to wildlife and will be carefully applied by specialist contractors, so it does not affect nearby areas and waterways. Blue dye is being used to mark the treated areas, which may turn bright yellow after the treatment takes effect.
The herbicide and steam application supports the vision to transform the reserve. Bayside City Council is proud to deliver the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve in collaboration with the community, and thanks the Australian Government for its funding support.
