The new Newland Reserve Stormwater Wetland has been completed well under budget.

Mayor of Bankstown, Councillor Khal Asfour, said Council invested $679,000 in the construction phase, achieving a great result for local residents and the environment.

“The new wetland captures stormwater runoff from the roofs, roads, driveways and other hard surfaces in Milperra, and helps to make sure it is in good condition before it enters the Georges River,” Mayor Asfour said.

“In addition, the wetland provides habitat for a diverse range of species including long and short-neck turtles, eastern water dragons and many waterbirds.”

Improvements include:

• Doubling the catchment feeding the wetland to enhance flushing and circulation, by installing a bund wall, separating the wetland’s inlet and outlet, and joining the islands;
  
• Reduction in the impact of stormwater pollution with the installation of a litter trap and sediment basin
  
• Minimisation of stagnant zones by filling the south-west corner of the wetland to provide more green open space;
  
• Provision of both open water and vegetated aquatic habitats to allow treatment of water by sunlight and through nutrient uptake by plants;
  
• Excavation of accumulated organic matter, sediments and other pollutants;
  
• Removing carp which had an impact on water quality due to their feeding habits;and
  
• Improving the habitat conditions for native species.

Mayor Asfour said the new wetland project came in more than $100,000 under budget, largely because excavated sediments were reused on site.

“This minimised the need to purchase new soil and avoided the cost of sending the excavated materials to landfill, potentially saving Council more than $900,000 in tipping fees.”

Residents are invited to celebrate the completion of the project by planting a tree at the wetland on Sunday 22 July (10am-Noon).