An innovative treatment wetland is proposed for the Lara Lakelands Reserve precinct under a City plan to improve biodiversity and stormwater management in the area.

The City has finalised a concept design of the $2.25 million project which will extend the size of the existing wetland by 10 000-square metres.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said the project was identified as the highest priority in the City’s Priority Stormwater Projects Masterplan.

The Lakelands are an important environmental and recreation space in Lara with the reserve’s trails popular for exercise scenic walks and wildlife watching.

We want to protect the Lakelands’ natural features and limit pollutants so the significance of the area can be enjoyed for generations to come.

The concept design proposes to build the wetland on the western bank of the existing southern lake within the reserve.

Urban stormwater would be directed through the new wetland where excess flows sedimentation and pollutants are reduced before entering the existing southern wetland and travelling further downstream.

Windermere Ward Councillor Kylie Grzybek said the importance of the wetland for animal species was a key consideration in developing the proposed extension.

The enhanced stormwater treatment will improve water quality and habitats for a range of birdlife delivering a healthier wetland and waterway ecosystem.

Identified sensitive areas particularly for waterbird roosting and breeding will be protected throughout the works.

Later this year the City will lodge a planning application for the construction of the wetland which will provide an opportunity for public feedback.

Greater Geelong has more than 100 individual wetlands with many listed for their international importance for resident waterbirds and migratory shorebirds. 

Collectively they make up one of the most important waterbird areas in Australia and host the highest concentration of several migratory shorebird species in Victoria such as the Latham’s (Japanese) Snipe.