Installation of a stormwater diversion system which will help restore health to the environmentally significant Karaaf Wetlands is moving closer to reality.
A new pump housed underground at Torquay’s Esplanade Wetland will divert about 25 per cent of stormwater flows from residential areas away from the Karaaf, between Torquay and Breamlea, and into an existing drainage network which outfalls at the mouth of Deep Creek.
The diversion will help return natural ebb and flow in the Karaaf, and the start of installation marks a significant milestone in Council’s sustained work restoring the health of the wetlands, in partnership with Community Reference Group members and other key stakeholders.
The system has been designed to ensure that water levels in the adjoining Sands lakes system can be maintained.
Contracts for the works will be finalised during August and site works are expected to commence in October with completion scheduled for the end of April 2027.
The project involves installation of a pump station near Sands Boulevard, construction of a new rising main pipeline along The Esplanade and then connecting with the existing stormwater network at the Horseshoe Bend Road intersection.
Both lanes of The Esplanade will remain open during installation of the pump and pipes but users should take care with increased heavy vehicle activity in the Esplanade Wetlands area.
Some sections of The Esplanade Wetlands walking tracks will need to be closed on weekdays and weeknights but will be open each weekend, including for the popular weekly Torquay parkrun.
Mayor Libby Stapleton: “Installation of the diversion system is a meaningful stride forward as we maintain our commitment to helping restore the health of the Karaaf.
“In support of this project we are also installing a series of flow monitoring stations at strategic locations along the stormwater flow path from north Torquay to measure the amount of stormwater being diverted.
“Council’s commitment to reducing stormwater flows is also influencing decision making on future residential growth within the area.
“We acknowledge the Australian Government’s funding of both the diversion and flow monitoring systems and acknowledge the input and support of the Karaaf project Community Reference Group and stakeholders.”
Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker: “It is exciting to see work on the Karaaf Stormwater Diversion Project finally underway.
“I appreciate it has taken years of work by the Surf Coast Shire Council to reach this milestone, including three years of environmental monitoring and designing a system that both reduces water flows into the Karaaf and improves water quality.
“I applaud the commitment of the Shire and local community activists who have been determined to see the health of the environmentally and culturally significant Karaaf Wetlands restored.
“The Albanese Government is proud to be supporting the Shire with $1.9 million funding for this project through the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.”