Latest update

A number of plans for project sites have been submitted to the planning and land authority for approval. For more information, and to provide comment on these Development Applications visit: ACT Healthy Waterways Sites and Progress.

Key facts

  • Includes the Molonglo River downstream of Lake Burley Griffin below Scrivener Dam to the Murrumbidgee River.
  • Only a small portion of the stormwater that runs off urban areas is treated before being discharged into the Molonglo River.
  • Land use in the catchment is mixed and includes grazing, forestry and urban areas.
  • Proposed urban development in the catchment is expected to place further pressure on water quality.

Expected benefits

  • The priority project will remove 113,000 kg/year of suspended solids, 182 kg/year of phosphorus and 610 kg/year of nitrogen from Lower Molonglo waterways.
  • The site is expected to be a favorite destination for families, walkers and cyclists.

Priority Project 1 - WETLANDS

Between Cotter Road Holder and Dixson Drive, Holder

Two new wetlands will be established in the open space between Dixon Drive and Cotter Road. Water loving reeds, grasses and trees will use the nutrients in the stormwater to grow and help remove sediments by reducing the speed of water flows. Sympathetic design will minimise impact on existing vegetation and paths, currently used for walking, horse riding and cycling. The area will be extensively landscaped to maintain amenity.

The site is expected to be a favorite destination for families, walkers and cyclists. (LM013)

Click here for full size version of plans. (LM013)

Share your views on Lower Molonglo Catchment Priority Project 1.

<p>Please note: only your screen name will be shown in the comments section.</p>

Reserve projects

Reserve projects have been identified for each catchment to allow for contingencies that may emerge during detailed design or construction.These projects may go ahead if any of the priority projects are no longer considered viable, unexpected savings are made in completing the priority projects, or additional funding becomes available.

Designs have been prepared for the 10 highest ranked reserves across the six priority catchments. In the Lower Molonglo Catchment designs have been prepared for:

RAIN GARDEN

Between Tristania Street and Streeton Drive, Rivett

The rain garden will be located to minimise the removal of trees and to avoid being too close to houses. The area’s potential as a place for recreation will be enhanced and new plants will encourage habitat diversity. (LM006)

Click here for full size version of plans. (LM006)

Reserve Project - Between Tristania Street and Streeton Drive, Rivett

<p>Please note: only your screen name will be shown in the comments section.<br></p>

WETLAND - Adjacent to Centre for Teaching and Learning, Freemantle Drive, Stirling

A wetland will be established on the grounds of the Centre for Teaching and Learning. Along with additional paths and plants, the wetland will become a great recreational and learning space. Careful design means the wetland will not impact the Stirling District Playing Fields (LM004)

Click here for full size version of plans. (LM004)


Reserve Project - Adjacent to Centre for Teaching and Learning, Freemantle Drive, Stirling

<p>Please note: only your screen name will be shown in the comments section.<br></p>

RAIN GARDEN - Near Araluen Street, Fisher

A rain garden will be established away from the existing playground in a position to avoid impacting existing trees while also maximising the upstream water it captures. Replacing the current grassed area with a rain garden will mean an increase in habitat diversity and an improved ecosystem The design accommodates existing onsite acitivites like dog walking, and allows for other recreational activities with the addition of features like paths and seating (LM001).

Click here for full size version of plans. (LM001)


Reserve Project - Near Araluen Street, Fisher

<p>Please note: only your screen name will be shown in the comments section.<br></p>

WETLAND - Between Streeton Drive and Weston Creek stormwater channel, Holder

The wetland is located within the drainage corridor between Streeton Drive and Weston Creek and will treat the upstream catchment. It has been designed to minimise tree removal and impact on the existing archery to the north. New and existing paths will be linked to create a walking/cycling circuit. (LM008C)

Click here for full size version of plans. (LM008C)

Reserve Project - Between Streeton Drive and Weston Creek stormwater channel, Holder

<p>Please note: only your screen name will be shown in the comments section.<br></p>

RAIN GARDEN - Near De Graaff Street, Holder

The rain garden will be a new feature in the landscape, improving the existing open grassed space. New plantings will encourage greater habitat diversity. Positioned away from the existing playground, it has been designed to have minimum impact on existing trees. (LM010)

Click here for full size version of plans. (LM010)

Reserve Project - Near De Graaff Street, Holder

<p>Please note: only your screen name will be shown in the comments section.<br></p>

Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:

Name ACT Healthy Waterways (Basin Project)
Phone 132281
Email epd.basinproject@act.gov.au
Website www.act.gov.au/basinproject