** VICTORIA PARK WETLAND OPENS TO THE PUBLIC **
A new 3.2 hectare wetland on Adelaide’s city fringe has been completed, providing critical flood risk mitigation and delivering an outdoor recreation space for South Australians.
The Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi wetland will open for the first time to the public tomorrow, Saturday 7 May.
The wetland has been built as part of the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project, designed to provide flood protection for the South Australian community, and offers significant environmental and community benefits.
The project represents the largest earthmoving exercise and redevelopment in Adelaide’s park lands in the past 60 years.
“This wetland is a key part of South Australia’s flood mitigation system and will provide greater protection for properties and critical infrastructure in the event of a major flood,” Project Director Peta Mantzarapis said.
“We have seen the devastating damage that can be caused by flooding which occurred interstate in recent months.
“This highlights the need for flood detention such as wetlands and other effective stormwater infrastructure which play an important role in risk mitigation.
“The Victoria Park wetland will deliver a range of environmental and community benefits such as improved water quality to downstream areas and receiving waters of Gulf St Vincent, enhanced biodiversity, and amenity for park users on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.”
South Australians are expected to flock to the site for educational and recreational purposes.
“We expect that visitors, particularly families, will enjoy visiting the wetland and having the opportunity to see the full range of environmental benefits in action,” she said.
“We have already accommodated school groups during the construction phase of the project and look forward to welcoming them back to see the completed wetland.
“There’s plenty to see and do for everyone, including taking adventure walks and discovering the varieties of wildlife that have already called this amazing place their home.”
The Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project is funded equally by State and Local Government, via the Stormwater Management Authority and the Cities of Adelaide, Burnside, Mitcham, Unley and West Torrens.
“We welcome the support received from State and Local Government to complete the first stage of this city-wide water management system,” she said.
“This investment substantially reduces the number of properties and critical infrastructure within the catchment that would be affected by large flood events in Adelaide.”
Susan Close, Deputy Premier of South Australia and Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, said the Victoria Park wetland is a timely and important piece of infrastructure for the city which plays a key role in flood mitigation.
“At the same time, this development provides a great environment for residents and families to explore nature and spend quality time outdoors,” she said.
Last month, the Federal Government also committed $10 million towards stage two of the project, which will increase stormwater flow capacity through lower Brown Hill Creek.
For more information on the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project, visit bhkcstormwater.com.au
**UPDATE December 2021**
Construction is nearing completion. Works will continue in early 2022 and will be focused on completing all components of the wetland. As paths are created around the edges of the work area, the park will be ‘opened up’ so that these paths can be used. The stockpile area currently being used to store excess soil excavated to create the wetland will continue to be reduced, with trucks disposing the soil off-site. Following completion of the project, this area will be rehabilitated and returned to parklands.
**UPDATE October 2021**
View the key features of the wetland construction in this update video: https://youtu.be/T1kguWXepc8
**UPDATE August 2021**
Construction of the wetland continues to stay on track for a pre-Christmas completion, despite wet weather and COVID-19 restrictions.
A variety of machines are being used to create the wetland including excavators, dump trucks, dozers, graders and rollers, making for lots of activity.
The final design for the wetland, the project brochure and a full project update can also be found in the Document Library to the right of the screen or visit www.bhkcstormwater.com.au
Where can I find out more about the wetland project?
The project team has developed detailed information about the project which is contained in the Project Brochure and FAQs (frequently asked questions) in the document library to the right of the screen.
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What is the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Board?
Brown Hill, Keswick, Glen Osmond and Park Lands Creeks are important drainage watercourses in metropolitan Adelaide. The creeks have a history of flooding and a low standard of flood protection, and therefore a relatively high flood risk.
Their combined catchment is mainly contained within the local government areas of Adelaide, Burnside, Mitcham, Unley and West Torrens which are home to more than 200,000 residents.
The Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project has been a collaborative undertaking by the catchment councils to develop a Stormwater Management Plan (SMP).
The scope and complexity of the plan are such that it could only be delivered effectively and efficiently by the five councils working collaboratively through a single entity.
The Councils have therefore established the Brown Hill and Keswick Creeks Stormwater Board as a regional subsidiary to co-ordinate delivery of the SMP. Implementation of the plan will mitigate serious flood risks and help safeguard properties across the catchment.
To read the SMP, click here
To read the SMP appendices, click here
Click here for a map showing the extent of the Brown Hill Keswick Creek catchment, relevant council boundaries and projects affecting you.
Contact
For enquiries about the Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project:
P: 1800 934 325
E: info@bhkcstormwater.com.au
Wetland Information Brochure March 2023.pdf (440 KB) (pdf)