Environmental Works in the SIR: 1. Anderson's Constructed Wetland (VIC)

September, 1999 Environmental works in the SIR: 1. LC0023 Anderson's constructed wetland ISSN 1329-833X Environmental Management Group, Tatura

This Landcare Note describes the works program, Revegetation community involvement and future of Anderson’s The area immediately surrounding the wetland has been Wetland in the Shepparton Irrigation Region. revegetated with local native species. All existing trees (both living and dead) were retained and nesting boxes Background installed to provide further habitat for a variety of native Anderson's wetland is located on private property just east fauna species. of the Merrigum township. The site, approximately two Islands hectares, provides an example of how a reuse system and drainage scheme can incorporate environmental values. Two islands have been retained in the centre of the Various features have been included in the design of this wetland to provide a safe roosting and nesting site for re-use system, capable of holding 4ML of drainage water, birds. that provide both on-site and downstream environmental Flooding benefits. The wetland is entirely under natural surface level and Design features therefore provides no obstruction to natural flood flows. Water depth Filling the wetland Anderson's wetland has been excavated to a variety of Water from the Mosquito 25 Arterial Drain will enter the depths to provide a range of habitat types for local flora wetland during times of high flow. Wetland plants will and fauna. decrease the flow, allowing nutrient uptake and settling of sediment, therefore helping to improve water quality. • Shallow edges on the northern and eastern margins allow water plants to grow. Topsoiling • Deeper pools provide storage volume for water reuse, Any topsoil removed during the excavation of the wetland and keep the water cooler to help prevent algal was stored before being used to line the bottom of the blooms. wetland.

Figure 1. Anderson’s Wetland

(Diagram not yet available) How the community was involved Figure 3. Volunteers hard at work during the planting The original concept for Anderson’s Wetland was devised by the students from Merrigum Primary School. Their The future of Anderson’s Wetland idea was to construct a wetland close to Merrigum to recreate an area of natural environment close to the The landholder, John Anderson, plans to install a pump on township. the deeper end of the re-use system, and use the water to irrigate a small area of nearby pasture. Irrigating in the The original concept was further developed by the summer months will help replicate natural draw down of Environmental Engineer from Sinclair Knight Merz, in the wetland without causing disruption to wildlife consultation with Catchment Environment Officers from breeding. the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE). The Merrigum Primary School has made the wetland part of its environmental studies, and will monitor and report Excavation of the site was undertaken by Goulburn- on its progress. Murray Water who used the soil removed from the wetland to remodel a nearby channel. NRE plan to use the wetland as a working demonstration site for landholders interested in constructing In May 1997, a community planting day was held to environmentally friendly reuse systems. revegetate the wetland and its surrounds. Students from the Merrigum Primary School and Kyabram High School Contacts joined interested locals and members of the Merrigum Landcare Group in planting over 2000 trees, shrubs and Environmental Management Group water plants. NRE Tatura Wetlands and whole farm plans Ph. 03 5833 5222 Wetlands and re-use systems can be developed as part of a Whole Farm Plan. Contact NRE for further information.

(Diagram not yet available) Figure 2. Whole farm plan of Anderson’s Wetland

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