A wetlands located within a Truganina estate will become home to more than 160,000 indigenous plants.
Stockland has unveiled a plan to revitalise wetlands located on the corner of Clara Avenue and Kirkpatrick Boulevard in Mt Atkinson, where about 8000 residences are being built.
The wetlands will act as a natural filter and treat stormwater before it enters Skeleton Creek, which flows into Port Phillip Bay.
The list of indigenous plants selected for the wetlands, which was developed in consultation with Melbourne Water and Melton council, have been selected specifically to attract native wildlife.
Mature trees have also been retained around the wetlands, which provide a home to birds including wedge-tailed eagles.
The new planting will support other birds living in the western region, including 330 species such as the country’s smallest bird the weebill and one of the largest, the brolga.
Stockland project director Ed Krushka said boosting the wetlands’ plant life would play a big part in future-proofing the local environment for generations to come.
“We’ve worked closely with Melbourne Water and our local indigenous community to ensure that we are not only revitalising the area but we’re also playing a role in educating the local community about the heritage and importance of the area,” he said.
Melbourne Water’s Ken O’Neill said the project would contribute to the organisation’s vision under the Healthy Waterways Strategy, to protect and improve waterways across the western region.
A pathway and vantage points will be constructed in the wetlands, so Mt Atkinson residents can access the site. The wetlands will open to the public mid-year.
