Wetlands rejuvenation thanks to $5 million State Government investment
Published on 04 March 2022
The world-renowned Seaford Wetlands is being rejuvenated thanks to a $5 million investment from the State Government’s $154 million Suburban Parks Program.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio launched the Seaford Wetlands Rejuvenation Project this week at the wetlands attended by State Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny MP, Frankston City South Ward Cr Claire Harvey and Council CEO Phil Cantillon together with representatives from Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Kingston Council, Melbourne Water, Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands and local community members.
Frankston City Council is delivering the Seaford Wetlands Rejuvenation Project in collaboration with Kingston City Council and Melbourne Water with a focus on improving ecological health, embedding Traditional Owner values, improving signage, walking and cycling access.
Frankston City Council is also working closely with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to ensure the area’s cultural values are embedded into park design and future management.
The project features landscaping and environmental works, including upgrades to facilities and walking paths, and the proposed construction of a new bridge across Kananook Creek to ‘close the loop’ around the wetlands.
A self-guided biocultural trail will be created using interpretative and wayfinding signage to promote ecological and cultural values of Seaford Wetlands.
Ms D’Ambrosio said: “I was delighted to launch the Seaford Wetlands Rejuvenation Project and learn more about the wetlands from the Traditional Owners of the land, the Bunurong People.
“Seaford Wetlands Rejuvenation Project will create better access and connections through this beautiful area so that more people can enjoy the natural environment and wildlife that rely on the wetlands to thrive.
“The new biocultural trail will recognise and celebrate the important environmental and cultural values that make Seaford Wetlands so special to the Bunurong People. Their knowledge will be shared for years to come,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
Ms Kilkenny said: “We are so fortunate to have on our doorstep something as unique and critically important for biodiversity and birdlife as the Seaford Wetlands. The Wetlands provide refuge for some our most critically endangered bird species and up to 5000 birds can be here at any one time.
“They are an absolutely beautiful place. I encourage everyone to have their say on how these wetlands can be enhanced now and for generations to come,” she said.
Frankston City Mayor Nathan Conroy described the Suburban Parks Program funding as a great win for the environment and community.
“The funding will improve access to this stunning natural and recreational area for the local and wider community to enjoy and address long-identified access issues along the northern part of the wetlands to support walking, cycling and connection to neighbouring regions.”
Melbourne Water Waterways and Catchment Operations Manager, John Woodland, said: “Melbourne Water supports the landscape and environmental improvements proposed that will significantly improve the ecological values of this world renowned RAMSAR-listed Wetland.
“We look forward to working with Council and the community on realising these benefits.”
Cr Harvey said: “We are consulting with our community on the Seaford Wetlands Rejuvenation Project and welcome feedback on the proposed bridge design and shared use path options.
“Join us for a free cuppa at Seaford Wetlands viewing platform, Austin Road, on 5 March from 10am – 12.30pm and tell us why you love Seaford Wetlands. Or you can also visit the Engage Frankston website to provide your feedback by 31 March.”
For more information and to have your say on the Seaford Wetlands Rejuvenation Project, please visit https://engage.frankston.vic.gov.au/seaford-wetlands-rejuvenation
To learn more about the Victorian State Government’s Suburban Parks Program visit: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks/creating-new-parkland-across-victoria