Planning begins for Orange's newest wetland

The first stages of work have begun on plans to build a new wetland, extending Orange’s pioneering stormwater harvesting scheme.

$800,000 was approved in this year’s budget, and a further $5 million has been allocated in next year’s budget for the project. Funding comes from a $2.5 million government grant and $2.5 from Orange City Council.

Orange Mayor Cr Reg Kidd said the proposed new wetland on Blackmans Swamp Creek would build on the existing network of along Ploughmans Creek.

“Orange's stormwater harvesting system has been a pioneering source of water for Orange, that delivers during a drought,” Cr Reg Kidd said. “But it's set to be even better when we build an extra constructed wetland on Blackmans Swamp Creek.”

“We're looking at a site right alongside the bypass, next to residential areas.

“There are already a number of constructed wetlands in Orange at Ploughmans, Somerset and Brooklands. They've been built as a source of water, but it's been brilliant to watch them grow and develop as so much more than that. They're now places for quiet recreation. They're a habitat for native species.

“It's been interesting to watch nearby residents replace their colourbond back fences with see through structures so they can enjoy the water views.”

Orange-based environmental consulting firm, Premise has been employed to design the wetland site, and has sought input from the local community and interested groups to find out what people would like see at the site.

Sally Kirby, senior ecologist with Orange environmental consultants Premise, said the wetlands will have many benefits for the community.

“The purpose of the wetland is for water storage and water quality, however Council would like to see the site developed with environmental and social benefits for the whole community, ”Sally Kirby said.

“As Senior Ecologist at Premise, I'm co-ordinating the community engagement process, and I've been speaking with representatives from many interest groups including Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council, Orange Field Naturalists, Summer Hill Creekcare, ECCO, Central Tablelands Landcare, Local Land Services, Futuring Orange, Bowen Community Technology Centre, Fusion and Ploughmans Creek Wetland Care Group to name a few.

Plans to hold a face-to-face community meeting took a new direction with the onset of the COVID-19 crisis.

“I was hoping to get as many interested people together as possible to discuss ideas for the site, and come up with a plan to take to Council. COVID restrictions have meant I have had to take the workshop online.

Representatives of community groups met in a Zoom video-conference in late April.

The wokshop discussed ecological, cultural, educational and recreational opportunities for the site.

“There are some amazing examples of wetlands working around the world, including our own local Ploughmans Wetlands, creating habitat for wildlife, places for people to relax, walk or ride bikes, and an opportunity to provide an interactive, educational experience,” Sally Kirby said.

“We would really love to work with the community to come up with a concept for the whole site that the people living nearby will want to use and will look after.”

People who want to contribute to the design project should send an email to sally.kirby@premise.com.au