By Denise Deason
A LONG-AWAITED million-dollar project to upgrade the Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands is scheduled to start this month.
The 35-hectare site, a habitat for many species of birds, is one of the last remnant wetlands areas of its type in Victoria.
The works, to be carried out by the Wyndham City Council, are designed to ensure maximum ecological benefit without damaging the environment more than necessary.
The council is putting $700,000 into the project, with $244,000 coming from the Department of Human Services, $60,000 from the Department of Sustainability and Environment and $48,000 from an Australian Government Community Water Grant.
Stormwater will be brought into the area and filtered through a series of ponds, remaining in the deepest part of the wetlands to increase the flow and repair the ravages of the drought.
This project, set up by the Heathdale Neighbourhood Renewal group in conjunction with the Wyndham Council, won a Sustainable Cities award from Keep Australia Beautiful.
As part of the redevelopment, a walking track, with exercise stages, will be built around the wetlands.
There will also be permanent display stands giving seasonal information about the wildlife and listing Heathdale events.
The council, in its proposed budget for 2007-08, has allocated $252,000 for the wetlands master plan implementation and $80,000 to replace the No 1 boardwalk.
Maggie McInnes, of Heathdale Neighbourhood Renewal, said the project had been deferred before, but a lot of planning had been put in by the council and the Heathdale group.
“We’re delighted it’s now going ahead,” she said. “The wetlands is very important for its native grasses and the birds and small animals that use it.
“It’s a beautiful area and lovely to walk around.”
