Work has started today on a $1.85 million raingarden at Johnstone Park in central Geelong, an environmental and water saving initiative developed by the Andrews Labor Government.
The raingarden will improve the park’s amenity, liveability and environmental sustainability by harvesting and reusing stormwater runoff for irrigation. This will reduce demand on drinking water and filter pollutants from stormwater before the water enters Corio Bay.
The project will involve building a series of terraced ponds that filter stormwater in a way that removes pollution. The stormwater will be stored in a submerged 250,000-litre tank and used to irrigate Johnstone Park – meeting up to 60 per cent of the park’s irrigation needs.
The project, which is expected to be completed by November this year, will also create new places for people to sit on the embankments as well as the construction of a new staircase and a new ramp, making the park’s basin more easily accessible to the community.
Trees that need to be removed to allow development of the raingarden will be replaced within two years, and the project provides over 150 square metres of new garden beds and hundreds of new trees.
The Johnstone Park Raingarden is a key initiative of the Revitalising Central Geelong (RCG) partnership between the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong. The Government has put in $1.7 million for the project, with the City of Greater Geelong contributing $150,000.
For more information on Revitalising Central Geelong, visit: revitalisingcentralgeelong.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“This project will not only improve water security but enhance the amenity of Johnstone Park, which has long been a much loved place for the Geelong community to meet, relax and socialise.”
“Through Water for Victoria, our Government has set a new long-term direction for delivering sustainable and liveable cities, and towns, by improving the way we use water.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“This raingarden will be a wonderful addition to the local community. Not only does it save and reuse water, but it will be a lovely green space for the people of Geelong to enjoy.”
Quote attributable to City of Greater Geelong Administrator Chair Kathy Alexander
“This project is just one of many under the Revitalising Central Geelong partnership, with state and local government working together to build a vibrant city centre and support the growth of the local economy.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020