While wetlands are certainly beautiful, they aren’t just for looks! Urban wetlands play an important role in enhancing liveability, biodiversity and filtering pollutants from storm-water to help keep our waterways and ocean clean.
As water enters a wetland, it travels through a series of ponds and special planting zones. These plants absorb excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous and help to trap sediment before it can enter our rivers and creeks.
They also have the additional benefit of providing a permanent body of water which can help to calm small flooding events and cool the local environment while providing safe habitat for animals such as water-birds, native frogs, fish and beneficial insects.
Stonnington is home to three wetlands:
They are all situated next to the Gardiners Creek waterway (KooyongKoot) and help to keep it healthy.
Next time you visit one of our wetlands, keep a look out for the variety of flora and fauna that are thriving in these environments.
Wetlands management, ensuring water sensitive urban design, protecting and enhancing biodiversity are just a few of the key priorities outlined in the City of Stonnington’s Climate Emergency Action Plan 2021-2024.
