What is happening at Dunstan Reserve?

Merri-bek City Council is constructing it's fifth major stormwater harvesting system at Dunstan Reserve in Brunswick West. This project diverts stormwater from local areas for treatment and storage. The treated water is then used to irrigate the sports fields at Dunstan Reserve.

Stormwater runoff from approximately 50 hectares of residential area is diverted into a raingarden in the north-east of Dunstan Reserve. The stormwater runoff gets filtered as it percolates through the raingarden (a sandy area with a range of plants) and will then drains into an underground tank. Water from the tank is then treated by Ultra Violet light and then used to water the grass on the sports fields. The raingarden is planted with native plant species that contribute to the biodiversity of the park and provide habitat and food for insects and birds.

The system is designed to save up to 10 million litres of drinking water each year.

Before After

There is a larger version of the Concept Plan in the Document Library.

Construction

Council awarded the construction contract for this project 10 July 2024.

Construction is now underway and is anticipated to finish in May 2025.


What to expect during construction

During the construction phase, we expect that there will be some disruptions made to the immediate area, however, we will endeavour to keep these to a minimum.

Works will generally be carried out between 7am to 4pm, Monday to Friday and are scheduled to be completed in May 2025

For safety during construction, temporary changes to traffic and parking along Everett Street and Bakers Parade will be required. Pedestrian access from Everett Street into Dunstan Reserve will be closed throughout the construction period. We expect that some loud noise will be generated due to excavation activities.

For more information, view the full project update which includes a map of the works area.

What are the benefits of this project?

  • Enhanced local amenity through the proposed raingarden and dry creek bed, new footpath and sitting area.
  • Increased natural cooling and reduction in the heat island effect
  • Sustainable watering options for the sports field and community gardens (saving approximately 10 million litres of drinking water per year)
  • Slowed down stormwater run-off will help relieve pressure on the creek and reduce erosion.
  • Treated urban stormwater runoff through natural systems before the stormwater enters Moonee Ponds Creek and ultimately Port Phillip Bay. This will treat 10 million litres of surplus of stormwater flows, remove 10 tonnes of suspended solids, 15 kg of Phosphorus, and 86 kg of Nitrogen per annum
  • Improved habitat for a range of animals such as bugs, insects, invertebrates, frogs, waterbirds and reptiles.
  • Enhanced the diversity of local flora (plants).
  • Self-guided interpretive signage will share an understanding of the harvesting element, the ecological function of the system, and local biodiversity.