Refurbishment of the Townsend Street constructed wetland in Forster and ecological health assessments of the Wallis Lake, Smiths Lake and Karuah River estuaries will be carried out with $163,750 from the State Government’s Coastal and Estuary Grants program.
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The refurbishment of the wetland will improve water quality in Wallis Lake and management of stormwater in central Forster.
The wetland, established in 2001, receives considerable stormwater flow from 90 hectares of the surrounding catchment.
It has reached the end of its expected functional lifetime and requires the works to ensure the effective treatment of urban stormwater.
Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead outlined what the project will entail.
“This refurbishment will be achieved with erosion control works, which will include the installation of rock lining and planting of vegetation to stabilise the two channels of the wetland,” Mr Bromhead said.
The health assessment of the Wallis Lake, Smiths Lake and Karuah River estuaries will focus on key ecological indicators including chlorophyll, turbidity, temperature and dissolved oxygen, as well as the health and extent of seagrass within Smiths Lake and the southern part of Wallis Lake.
“This will assist MidCoast Council to identify the actions required to maintain the estuaries,” Mr Bromhead said.
“The community will also have the opportunity to engage with the project’s progress and results.”
