Project description

Two bioretention systems, also known as rain gardens or stormwater treatment systems, manage and treat stormwater runoff within Nobelius Heritage Park and help protect downstream waterways and Lake Treganowan. They use natural processes to filter and clean the water before it enters local waterways.

Due to blockages, the systems at Nobelius Heritage Park have been experiencing ongoing issues with erosion and stormwater overflow. Council is prioritising rectification works to ensure the ongoing integrity of the drainage basins and to see that the issues are comprehensively addressed.

The restoration works will include:

• Pipe, grate and inlet cover replacements
• Cleaning and removal of debris from the basins
• Concrete base installation
• Installation of elevated gabion baskets at the end of each cascading cell to slow water and retain captured debris
• Filter and infiltration capacity works
• Landscaping works included graded rubble and rock mulch beds around and within the basins.

A protection plan has been developed and will be in place, to ensure minimal disruption occurs with native flora and fauna. No major tree or vegetation removal is planned as part of these works. As the site is subject to heritage overlay, a planning permit exemption has been obtained to complete these works.

Once completed these works will:

• restore the storage capacity of the basins
• restore the functionality and stormwater detention capacity of the basins
• better protect the downstream waterways from erosion
• help protect the heritage of the park
• conserve the park’s landscape
• improve environmental amenity
• reduce flooding risk
• improve stormwater bypass, debris capturing and storage capacity in the case of major rainfall events

Funding

This project is fully funded by Cardinia Shire Council.

Progress update

Restoration works are set to start from 10 April 2025 and are expected to be completed by June 2025, conditions permitting.

Council has appointed APS Drainage as the contractor to complete restoration works on the two bioretention basins within Nobelius Heritage Park, Emerald.

Disruptions

• Additional noise, lighting and dust may be temporarily experienced in the area
• Machinery may be in operation.
• A small portion of the northern gravel carpark will be closed off to the public and used for construction materials and stockpiling.
• Temporary fencing and signage will be installed around the basins and section of the carpark to ensure community safety while works are taking place.