Work set to begin on new Waratah wetland

27 July 2017

Work is getting under way on Orange’s newest constructed wetland, the Waratah Wetland project.

The new wetland is being built by Orange City Council in conjunction with the Waratah Sports Club and is supported by Central Tablelands Local Land Services (LLS) through funding from Catchment Action NSW.

A grant of $42,000 from LLS will contribute to the project. Work is set to start soon on plantings at the site.

The area south of the Platinum Parade, which is a former swamp, will be replenished with native plant species and furnished with recreational facilities and paved walkways to create the Waratah wetland.

Orange City Council’s Environmental Sustainability Committee Chair Neil Jones said while the new wetland would not be part of Orange’s stormwater harvesting scheme, like the other constructed wetlands across the city, the new project would enhance and beautify the area.

“It won’t be used as part of the storm water harvesting scheme in the way the Ploughmans, Brooklands and the Somerset Wetlands are used,” Cr Jones said.

“The slow movement of water through the wetland will cleanse storm water from the bypass and North Orange housing estates,” he said.

“As well as improving water quality, the main purpose of the new wetlands is to enhance the area for residents as well as provide a habitat for native wildlife.”

Funds from developer contributions are also adding to the project.

The project is expected to take 12 months to complete.

OPEN : In response to a letter from council some residents in the Waratahs area have already started to replace colourbond fences and replace them with see-through fences which let them enjoy the water views.

Council staff have met with local residents and representatives of the Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Orange (ECCO) to discuss community involvement.

The seedlings for the first plantings are expected to arrive this week. A volunteer community planting-day is expected to be held as temperatures start to rise.

The Waratah Sports Club is also backing the project, agreeing to the installation of board-walks and walking paths around the site.

LAUNCH : Pictured at the launch of the new Waratah Wetland are ECCO president Nick King, Orange City Council's Director of Development Services David Waddell, LLS staff member Mick Callan and Waratah Sports Club president Bart Westgeest.