Redan Wetlands revitalisation project to improve water quality in Yarrowee

Works are underway to rejuvenate the Redan Wetlands and improve the water quality that enters the Yarrowee River.

The project is funded by the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program with $1,893,000, along with $502,420 support from the City of Ballarat which is managing the works.

Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King and City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves toured the site on Thursday.

The first stage involves removing sediment from the inlet ponds of the wetland, replacing the litter trap upstream, weed removal and revegetation works, bank stabilisation works, path and access upgrades.

The project focuses on clearing a large volume of sediment from the wetlands to improve its natural filtration function, reducing the flow of pollutants downstream.

Located in Sebastopol, Redan Wetlands is a constructed wetland that uses biofiltration to improve the quality of water that enters the Yarrowee River.

The project aims to rejuvenate and revitalise the wetland, improving water quality, biodiversity and urban greenspace.

Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King said it was great to see the works underway.

“This is an important project for the Ballarat community, with the Yarrowee running through our town,” she said.

“The removal of sediment and installation of the new litter trap will rejuvenate the Redan Wetlands and maintain the integrity of our waterways.”

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the project is a great step forward in restoring the ecological health of the wetlands and our waterways.

“Removing the excess sediment will enhance the Redan Wetlands’ ability to naturally treat stormwater and support biodiversity,” she said.

The works will complement the planned litter trap set to be installed 1.5 kilometres from the city centre to intercept urban litter, sediment and stormwater pollution at a key point in the catchment.

The Redan Wetlands works will take place in stages, weather permitting.  

The City of Ballarat has notified nearby residents and placed signs at the entrances to surrounding walking tracks.

Throughout the project, some parts of the wetland reserve will be closed to the public. The Wallaby Track along the Yarrowee River will remain open throughout the works.

Excavation is expected to take about two weeks to complete. However, this will be guided by weather conditions to ensure environmental conditions are managed on-site.

Once excavated from the wetland, the sediment material will be allowed to dry out on site for a period of several weeks, before being tested and removed from the site as necessary.

Where practical, the sediment will be retained on site for revegetation works.

Pedestrian and traffic management will be in place during this period for the safety of workers and the community.

For more information visit ballarat.vic.gov.au/city/projects/redan-creek-wetlands.