Longer term works
Surf Coast Shire Council is working on a large-scale review on how the stormwater arrangements, under Council’s jurisdiction, impact on the Karaaf Wetlands. Council is working in collaboration with other agencies and community representatives on this project.
The Karaaf Wetlands are managed by Parks Victoria, and have a catchment that straddles several local government areas.
Surf Coast Shire Council is the stormwater drainage authority for parts of the catchment to the north and west of the wetlands.
The Karaaf wetlands are of high environmental, community and cultural heritage significance.
Council’s review will comprise four projects:
Project 1: An environmental assessment
An evidence-based assessment of the current environmental condition of the Karaaf Wetlands.
This is complete: View the report.
Project 2: Storm water network assessment
An assessment of the current state of the of the stormwater system, including a comparison of the system with the original masterplan design, and an assessment of how effectively the current system is operating in north Torquay
This is complete: View report.
Project 3: Stormwater diversion options
We have started a stormwater diversion project which will reduce stormwater flows from north Torquay to the Karaaf Wetlands by up to 25 per cent.
Council has completed detailed design of the system and called tenders to engage contractors to install the diversion works during the second half of 2026.
A new pump station at Torquay’s Esplanade Wetland will divert stormwater flows from north Torquay residential areas away from the Karaaf and into the existing drainage network which outfalls at the mouth of Torquay’s Deep Creek.
The system has been designed to ensure that water levels in the Sands lakes system can be maintained.
This option was chosen taking into consideration a technical report as well as other factors, and is funded by $1.9 million allocation from the Australian Government’s Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.
Under this funding Council is also installing flow monitoring stations at strategic locations along the stormwater flow path from north Torquay to measure the amount of stormwater being diverted.
This is the first stage of work towards reducing stormwater flows from north Torquay to the Karaaf Wetlands to pre-development levels, and ultimately maximising the diversion of stormwater from north Torquay for productive re-use.
Read more
Project 4: Improving stormwater quality and monitoring
Implement recommendations from Project 2 (improvements to the existing constructed wetland and stormwater system in Torquay North) to improve the quality of stormwater entering the Karaaf Wetlands.
Sediment removal an revegetation works need to occur outside of the migratory bird season, which is August to May.
Project 5: Multi-agency management approach
Assist relevant agencies to develop an Integrated Adaptive Management Approach for the long term future health of the Karaaf Wetlands.
This work is ongoing and regular meetings are being held.
Project 6: Planning framework
Develop an appropriate planning framework with the Sands Owners Corporation and Golf Club which clearly defines roles and responsibilities including an updated Section 173 agreement and Environment Management Plan.
This will be developed once project 3 is completed.