Merri Park Wetland

Stormwater (runoff from a rain event) from the Sumner Estate enters the wetland system into an initial sedimentation / gross pollutant pond. From here water flows across shallow marshes which filter out more pollutants, and then passes through three more ponds before being piped to Merri Creek.

The retarding basin acts as a flood protection measure during high rainfall events. If the creek rises above the level of the stormwater pipe outlet that drains from Sumner Estate, a valve automatically closes to prevent the creek water from flowing back up through the drain and flooding the urban area. Stormwater from the Sumner Estate then flows directly into the retarding basin whilst the creek is in flood. As the creek’s water level drops, the valve in the drain opens again and the water quickly flows out of the retarding basin and into the creek.

The wetland ponds, constructed in the floor of the retarding basin, carry water after rainfall but are ephemeral (not permanent) water bodies. A cycle of wetting and drying is important for the healthy ecological function of the wetland.

The associated plantings were done using locally indigenous plant species from four different Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) that were previously found in the area, including semi-aquatic vegetation. This ecosystem rejuvenation has been helped by the introduction of organisms from an established wetland.

1987
Plantings of indigenous trees and shrubs began

1990-1995     
Initial site works began, including replacing existing powerlines with underground alternatives.

1999 
Initial development of Merri Park Wetland, after decades of community advocacy and planning, and some foundational landscaping.

2000
Basin bottom reshaped
Construction of wetland in the floor of the retarding basin began
Opened to the public in June, with over 200 community volunteers assisting with planting and hand weeding

2000 onwards
Community led plantings, maintenance, and educational activities

2004
Native grasses well established

The wetland is a regular site on the Merri Creek Management Committee’s maintenance schedule. Eco management group The Friends of Merri Park Wetland group was established in 2014 as an offshoot of the Friends of Merri Creek, to also ensure regular maintenance of the site.

Friends of Merri Creek, Waterwatch, and other community volunteers have organised many educational and monitoring activities over the years including frog surveys, walk-and-talks, water testing, litter clean ups and weeding and planting sessions.

Merri Park Wetland is now an attractive naturalised setting that has resulted from the community’s desire to reverse the decline in their local environment. The local community continue to be actively involved in project maintenance, creating a sense of custodianship.
The site is also an accessible venue for formal and informal environmental learning.

By collecting and treating stormwater from the Sumner Estate, the wetlands contribute to improved water quality in Merri Creek, helping to create a healthier aquatic environment for plants and animals. The wetland system also helps to slow down stormwater, reducing erosion and input of sediment to Merri Creek.

Since 2000, over 16,000 indigenous plants have been established, providing faunal habitat and an alternative source of propagation material for further plantings. Combined with the more natural system of ephemeral wetlands, habitat values have increased creating a “hotspot” for wildlife, including significant and uncommon species. The wetland is now part of the Merri Creek wildlife corridor.

The wetland has attracted a variety of significant fauna such as frog species uncommon in adjacent sections of the Merri Creek. These include the Common Froglet (Ranidella signifera), Spotted Marsh (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis) and Pobblebonk (Limnodynastes dumerili) frogs that have colonised the ponds. There are also more resident and visiting bird species to the wetland, including the regionally significant Western Warbler (Gerygone fusca).

Darebin City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners and custodians of this land and pays respect to their Elders past and present.

• Merri Creek Management Committee manages the continued site development, on-ground management and funding submissions
• Darebin City Council provided site maintenance funding and a statutory committee of management
• Melbourne Water provided initial technical and design advice
• Friends of Merri Creek and local community members provide continued volunteer time, advocacy and funding submissions

Additional on-ground volunteer work has been supported by:

• Greencorp
• Tree Project
• Conservation Volunteers Australia
• Northcote High School
• Princes Hill Secondary
• Merri Primary
• Northern Metropolitan Institute of TAFE

Case Study Authors: Melanie Halliday, Kate Ward, Alycia Crofton

Parks Victoria provided grant funding for initial project establishment

Funding for project extension and site development was provided each year 2004-2008 by Envirofund and Landcare Australia/Citipower

Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries supplied a two-year grant in 2014 for revegetation works and environmental education programs