Karaaf Wetlands – Stormwater management

We recognise the significant environmental and cultural value of the Karaaf Wetlands on Wadawurrung Country, and we acknowledge the impact of stormwater on the ecological health of the wetlands.

We have commenced a stormwater diversion project aimed at ultimately reducing stormwater flows from north Torquay to the Karaaf Wetlands to pre-development levels.

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Every time we issue a media release or information update related to the Karaaf Wetlands we’ll send it to you.

Read the latest update

18 March 2025: Media release: Karaaf Wetlands environmental monitoring

2 February 2025 : Year 2 (2024) Vegetation Monitoring, Karaaf Wetlands report(PDF, 6MB)

27 June 2024: Zeally Sands wetland improvements

3 June 2024: Council to reduce stormwater flows from north Torquay to Karaaf Wetlands

10 May 2024: Vegetation Monitoring, Karaaf Wetlands report(PDF, 5MB)

28 March 2024: Karaaf Wetlands Update: Council adopts new Stormwater Treatment Asset

30 August 2023: Council draws on community knowledge and passion to help improve health of Karaaf Wetlands

21 August 2023: Read EPA Victoria's media release: Modern tech protects local wetlands

25 July 2023: CCMA releases Karaaf Wetlands Estuary Mouth Assessment results

27 April 2023: Reinstating Esplanade pipe system a viable option to reduce stormwater entering Karaaf

9 February 2023: Apply to join Karaaf Wetlands Community Reference Group

19 October 2022: Council to consider findings of Karaaf Wetlands assessments

22 March 2022: Weed removal works at Whites Beach wetland

More details about the project:

Short term works

Details of Council's short term program to manage inflows into the wetlands.

Longer term works

Details of Council's six-part project to investigate the impact of the stormwater system more broadly.

Karaaf Wetlands – FAQs

Answers to common questions about the Karaaf Wetlands projects.

Background on the Karaaf Wetlands

The Karaaf, a subsection of the broader Breamlea Flora and Fauna Reserve saltmarsh system, are a significant place for the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.

About stormwater systems

A description and diagram of how constructed wetlands function in heavy rain.

Images of the wetlands

Stormwater and environmental assessments - 2022

View the assessment reports:

CONSULTANT REPORT by DesignFlow
North Torquay Constructed Wetland Assessment Version 2.3 11 October 2022(PDF, 10MB)

CONSULTANT REPORT by Pathways bushland and Environment
Environmental Assessment, Karaaf Wetlands(PDF, 8MB)

View the assessment report scope summaries:

Open information session video (October 2022)

Thanks to everyone who joined us in person and online for our open information session on Thursday 27 October 2022. The session heard from the authors of the assessments and got an overview of the findings and next steps from Council.

Here are responses to questions, which were asked at the session.

Here is the recording of the session:

Karaaf Monitoring Reports

Karaaf Monitoring Report year 1 (2023)(PDF, 5MB)

Karaaf Monitoring Report year 2 (2024)(PDF, 6MB)

Interpretive historical analysis

This interpretive historical analysis from after colonisation has been prepared by David Rowe and is a subset of a more detailed analysis incorporating Wadawurrung history.

Download Karaaf historical investigation(PDF, 3MB)

Project timeline

Initial project development

completed 2021

Projects 1 and 2

Environmental and stormwater network assessment, 2022

✓ Consultants appointed to complete assessments of Karaaf Wetlands and north Torquay stormwater system
Media release: Karaaf Wetlands and stormwater system assessments to guide future

✓ Released findings of environmental and north Torquay stormwater system assessments
Media release: Council to consider findings of Karaaf Wetlands assessments