South Yarra Urban Wetlands

This urban wetland was born out of the need for stormwater quality treatment to protect the Yarra and an available public space beneath the powerlines that was difficult to maintain. The stormwater drainage diversion is located on the very busy Grange Rd intersection where there was no clear spot for a truck to maintain it. Instead, a Hydrobrake unit was used to divert specifically limited flows in a large diameter pipe across the road to a GPT. This enabled the larger gross pollutants to be trapped in a location where access for removal was much more reasonable and practical. The wetland is edged in a recycled plastic boardwalk (modwood) so those passing by can appreciate the wildlife sharing the space. Jamie (while at Strom Consulting) managed and undertook the design of the system as a joint project with Melbourne Water and Stonnington Council. This project was funded under Melbourne Water’s Living Rivers program.