Mildura South Wetlands set for major maintenance works

Published on 10 May 2017

Work will start next week on a major maintenance program at the Mildura South Wetlands to ensure they continue to function properly.

The wetlands are designed to collect stormwater from surrounding urban areas which is filtered and cleaned by the wetlands vegetation before being released into the natural environment.

Over time, contaminants such as dirt and silt build up in the wetlands, reducing their effectiveness.

In a bid to prevent this, Mildura Rural City Council will embark on major maintenance works to the wetlands starting on Monday, 15 May, which will involve dredging the wetlands and removing built up silt and overgrown vegetation with excavators.

As part of the works, vegetation and silt will be stockpiled around the wetlands for a short time, allowing the material to dry out before it is taken to the Mildura Landfill.

During this process, nearby residents may notice odours from the stockpiled vegetation for a short period of time.

Mildura Rural City Councillor for Environmental Sustainability Anthony Cirillo said the works, the most comprehensive since the wetlands were established more than a decade ago, may cause an inconvenience for some residents, but are crucial for the ongoing effectiveness and amenity of the area.

“Residents may notice some unfavourable odours for a short period, as well as changed traffic conditions and limited access to walking paths, however we ask for their understanding given the importance of these works,” Cr Cirillo said.

“The works are expected to take two to three weeks to complete and will significantly improve the effectiveness of the wetlands” 

For more information contact Council’s Environmental Sustainability Coordinator on (03) 5018 8100.

Media enquiries 
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689 
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au