Yarra River Improvements
The City of Stonnington is pleased to inform the community of the proposal for stage one of the 'Lower Yarra River Biodiversity Linkages Project' which aims to increase habitat connectivity, improve water quality and provide recreational and educational opportunities for people to interact with Melbourne's landmark river.
The proposed works involve indigenous riparian revegetation, construction of an ephemeral wetland system, realignment and upgrade of a section of bicycle path, construction of a pedestrian boardwalk and the installation of educational signage.
It is anticipated that Stage One works will start in November. Two sections will be completed as part of Stage one 1) Grange Road 2) Punt Road to Darling Street. Future works are proposed in seven stages, between Grange Road and Punt Road along the south side of the Yarra River.
An Ephemeral Wetland
The Ephemeral Wetland system that is proposed as part of the stage one works is designed to capture the stormwater runoff from the surrounding hard surfaces (roads, footpaths etc.) and remove litter, sediment and pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorous. A gross pollutant trap, stilling pond and the wetland vegetation will retain the pollutants and treat the stormwater prior to it being discharged into the Yarra River.
Biodiversity Improvements
The proposal involves reinstatement of native vegetation on the river banks, from the establishment of Floodplain Riparian Woodland to Plains Grassy Woodland. This, along with the establishment of the wetland area, will enhance the local habitat and encourage native birds and wildlife to the area.
Pedestrian and Cycle Paths
The proposal includes where necessary, the reconstruction and relocation of the existing bike path to accommodate the biodiversity works. This will help reduce user conflict.
Elevated Boardwalks
Elevated boardwalks are proposed as part of stage one to enable users to experience views of the wetlands and the river.
Education and Signage
Interpretive educational signage is proposed to help inform users of the new habitat, the wetland treatment system and how the local community can help to improve the biodiversity of the area.
Proposed Works Punt Rd (below)
An Artist Impression of the proposed works at Grange Rd (below)
Commonly Asked Questions
Will access to the existing bicycle and pedestrian path be affected?
Access to the beginning of the bike path (on the eastern side of MacRobertsons Bridge) will be closed until stage one works are completed. Access to the southern bank bike path will still be available from Alexandra Avenue.
Will vehicular access be affected during the construction phase?
Lanes will be narrowed in sections of Grange Road and St Georges Terrace during some of the construction. Appropriate traffic management will be applied so there is minimal affect on traffic flow and works will be undertaken outside peak traffic times where possible.
How much will the works cost?
It is estimated that the works at Grange Road and Punt Road will cost approximately $1 million.
Who is funding the project?
The majority of the project is being funded by the City of Stonnington. Melbourne Water has indicated they are likely to contribute some funding towards the indigenous planting and the Water Sensitive Urban Design aspects.
For further information, please contact Council's Urban Environment Officer Sarah Buckley tel. 8290 2062.
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