GAINSBOROUGH GREENS PRECINCT 4 WETLAND

The total area of the wetland is in excess of 9 hectares, with over 350,000 wetland grasses planted in the water zones and 40,000 trees and shrubs protecting the batters. Completed in June 2016 the wetland posed several project challenges to the Evolve team. Initially sourcing the required plant stock proved tricky as significant numbers were required of plant species not commonly grown in the nursery industry. This was quickly resolved once fresh seed was sourced and a twelve-week growing programme commenced. 

When Evolve commenced works onsite, maintaining soil moisture levels to keep wetland grasses alive during a particularly dry 'wet season' became problematic. Temporary irrigation systems connected to water trucks kept stock alive until welcome rains arrived. Unfortunately, Australia is a country of extremes and after significant rain events in March and April the initial dry weather challenge turned on its head and became a process of removing excess water from the wetland.

Successful projects of this size require great working relationships and Evolve were fortunate to work closely with the client – Mirvac and the following consultants, Vee Design and DesignFlow. Other companies involved included Golding Civil Contractors, Greenstock Nurseries and Ecoplant Australia, and each played an important role in helping Evolve deliver this project on time and on budget.

Since the completion of the wetland project, a group of ecology students have recorded and identified twenty-one different bird species on and around the wetland, highlighting the successful planning, building and maintenance of the vast man-made wetland.    

To view more projects from Evolve Environmental Solutions visit www.evolveenvironmental.com.au