Applications are now open for the Karaaf Wetlands Community Reference Group.

If you live within the Surf Coast Shire (preferably Torquay/Jan Juc/ Connewarre), or have a strong connection with the Karaaf Wetlands, and would like to join the Community Reference Group, please complete the form below.

First, read the full terms of reference

A summary of the key selection criteria is:

• Cultural heritage knowledge
• Knowledge of climate change
• Understanding of hydrology / stormwater systems
• Knowledge around environment and sustainability
• Desire to work collaboratively with stakeholders and government
• Ability to think strategically and solve problems

Apply Now

The Community Reference group will be advisory in nature and will include Council staff and up to 12 community members.

Regular meetings will be approximately every 8 -10 weeks, with additional meetings from time to time in line with key milestones.

The initial period of membership is 2 years

View the assessment reports:

• CONSULTANT REPORT by DesignFlow
  North Torquay Constructed Wetland Assessment Version 2.3 11 October 2022

• CONSULTANT REPORT by Pathways bushland and Environment
  Environmental Assessment, Karaaf Wetlands

View the assessment report scope summaries:

• Environmental assessment scope summary
• Constructed wetland assessment scope summary

Thanks to everyone who joined us in person and online for our open information session on Thursday 27 October.  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:

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

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

✓ Initial project program development – completed October 2021

✓ Development of governance model and engagement of key stakeholders – completed November 2021

✓ Initial background research and analysis - completed December 2021 – Feb 2022

✓ Project 1 and 2 scoping – completed February 2022

✓ Project 1 and 2 consultants appointed to complete assessments of Karaaf Wetlands and north Torquay stormwater system –completed April 2022

✓ Comprehensive independent audit of Zeally Sands and Dunes wetlands – completed May 2022

✓Project 1 and 2 initial observations of assessments of Karaaf Wetlands and north Torquay stormwater system - July 2022

✓  Project 3 and 4 scoping and procurement planning - July 2022

✓ Project 1 and 2 release findings of environmental and north Torquay stormwater system assessments - October 2022

✓ Project 3 and 4 commenced - November 2022

 |  Project 3 and 4 draft recommendations - March 2023

 |  Project 6 draft outcomes – September 2023 (following 3-month consultation period)

 |  Project 3 and 4 final outcomes - November 2023