Construction starts on Narrabundah wetlands
11 February 2019
ACT Government: Construction has started on
wetlands in the Fyshwick catchment that will clean
stormwater flowing
into Lake Burley Griffin and downstream into the Murrumbidgee River
system.
ACT Senator Zed Seselja joined the ACT Minister for the
Environment and Heritage, Mick Gentleman, today to mark the
occasion.
Minister Gentleman said three new wetlands would help clean the run-off
from heavily urbanised, industrial, commercial and agricultural areas in
the Fyshwick catchment.
“These new wetlands will help reduce the amount of sediment and other
pollutants flowing into Jerrabomberra Creek and on into Lake Burley
Griffin,” Minister Gentleman said.
“This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to protecting the
ACT’s environment and keeping our local water catchments and
habitats clean and safe for native species.
“The Narrabundah wetlands will be constructed along 420 metres of
Jerrabomberra Creek and include a chain of six open water ponds.
“This will provide cleaner water and improved habitat for fish, birds
and frogs, along with a wider, cleaner and better creek running through
improved green space that the Narrabundah community will enjoy.
“The other two wetlands will be between Eyre St and the Jerrabomberra
Wetlands in Kingston and on Jerrabomberra Creek off Dairy Road.”
Senator Seselja said the wetlands would play a critical role in
improving
water quality in the ACT, downstream in the Murrumbidgee River
system and in the wider Murray–Darling Basin.
“The nature of the catchment, with its industrial and agricultural
run-off, made it a priority from day one of the project,” Senator
Seselja said.
“The Australian Government is investing up to $85 million in ACT Healthy
Waterways, which has the biggest footprint of any water quality
infrastructure project ever undertaken in the ACT.
“Some of the individual projects are world-leaders in terms of size and
scope and I’m glad to say the Healthy Waterways program is being
delivered on time and on budget, which has allowed for an extra
infrastructure project in Tuggeranong.
“All 20 infrastructure projects are scheduled for completion this year.”
In addition to infrastructure projects, ACT Healthy Waterways is funding
two pioneering research projects into water quality, and the H2OK
community education program promoting ‘only rain down the stormwater
drain’.
For more information about ACT Healthy Waterways visit www.act.gov.au/H2OK
--ENDS--
Source: ACT Government - www.cmd.act.gov.au
Contact: N/A
External Links: http://www.act.gov.au/H2OK
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