An innovative new pavement project will help to protect waterways in Yarra. The initiative is supported by Sustainability Victoria’s Sustainable Infrastructure Fund and is working in partnership with the University of Melbourne.
This high infiltration permeable pavement covers sections of Rutland Street’s parking bays and is made from around 70% recycled tyres which have been sourced from a Victorian facility – diverting this waste from landfill – as well as recycled glass and rock particles to give it the strength needed to sustain the weight of cars and other vehicles.
The pavement allows stormwater to pass through it, filtering the water of pollutants before entering our drainage network. It also retains moisture within the soil, which can then be used by surrounding trees and plants, encouraging more growth and combating the impacts of the heat island effect.
This initiative has been completed as part of a trial that will monitor the benefits for newly planted trees, the long-term durability of the pavement and potential improvement of waterway health including reduction in quantity entering downstream waterways.
