Update: Construction of Moomba Park Wetland is started

Construction works are expected to begin in early December 2022 and will be completed by May 2023 (weather permitting).

Owing to public safety whilst the contractor is working on-site, access to Moomba Park via Somerlayton Crescent will be closed. Alternate access will be via the main entry to Moomba Park from 276 McBryde Street Fawkner, see the map below.

Access to Moomba Park

We are constructing a wetland and frog habitat at Moomba Park, Fawkner.

What is a Wetland?

A wetland is a series of shallow ponds of water surrounded by native plants and rocks that helps clean stormwater, provides habitat (home) for wildlife like local native frogs, insects and birds and provides amenity to the community.

Click this link to see an example of a Merri-bek Wetland - Edgars Creek Parkland Wetland

What would this project involve?

This park improvement project would involve construction of a wetland to:

  • filter stormwater, that comes off our roads and roofs, before it goes into Merri Creek.
  • create walking tracks, viewing platform and interpretive educational signage so people can learn about water, wetlands and local wildlife.
  • create habitat for the threatened species like Growling Grass Frog, that are known to live by the Merri creek, and other local wildlife.

Moomba Park Wetland Concept Diagram

Moomba Park Wetland Concept Diagram

How will the proposed Moomba Park Wetland Work?

Stormwater from an 8 hectare area to the south of Moomba Park will be diverted to the wetland System through an underground pipe. The diverted stormwater will firstly enter a pond where course sediments (gravels and sands) will settle to the bottom. The stormwater will then flow into a shallow vegetated area of the wetland where pollution (from roads and roofs) is removed through physical and biological processes. It will take two to three days for stormwater flow to pass through the water plants and be treated sufficiently to feed into a pond designed for Growling Grass Frog habitat. Clean overflows from the frog pond will flow along a small swale into Merri Creek.

What is a Growling Grass Frog?

The Growling Grass Frog (Litoria raniformis), is a species of ground-dwelling tree frog native to south-eastern Australia.

Why are we looking to create habitat?

Unfortunately Growling Grass Frog is listed as a threatened species in Victoria, but fortunately individuals have been previously recorded in Merri Creek, downstream of Moomba Park. To encourage Growling Grass Frog’s we are looking to create purpose built habitat.

What is the habitat?

We are looking to make a wetland frog pond to provide habitat, it will have water to play and hide in, rock areas for sunbaking, grasses and areas for breeding and food hunting. The area will be enclosed by a small see through fence to help protect the frogs. It will provide also provide habitat for many bugs, insects, invertebrates, frogs, waterbirds and reptiles.

What are the benefits?

Improved Open Space

  • Council will improve the look and amenity of your local parkland

Healthier waterway

  • Provide enough water for the existing plants in the reserve.
  • Provide natural treatment of urban stormwater runoff before it enters the local creek (water quality treatment).
  • Slow down stormwater run off and increase the capacity of the floodplain to hold stormwater runoff during storms, to relieve pressure on the creek and reduce erosion. However, it will not eliminate flooding during exceptional storm/rain events.

Habitat for native and endangered wildlife

  • Provide suitable habitat to help recover the nationally threatened Growling Grass Frogs.
  • Provide a safe haven for a range of aquatic wildlife and many other animals such as bugs, insects, invertebrates, frogs, waterbirds and reptiles.
  • Enhance diversity of local flora (plants) to improve natural cooling mechanisms across the city (reduction in urban heat islands).

Recreational opportunities

  • A loop walking track around the wetland, sitting area and vantage points for wildlife observation, nature discovery and natural play.

Learning Opportunities

  • A self-guided interpretive signage will share understanding of the ecological function of wetlands and local biodiversity.