This open space and wetland construction project was completed by Australian Ecosystems (AE) for Villawood Properties at the new Aquarevo Estate in Lyndhurst. It demonstrates Australian Ecosystem’s attention to detail, ecological sensitivity and expertise in the construction of stormwater treatment wetlands. The project was designed to intercept, retain and treat large volumes of stormwater from the estate and surrounding areas, to filter out pollutants and improve water quality. The wetland delivers additional benefits including urban cooling, habitat for local wildlife, and public amenity.

Australian Ecosystems supplied and installed topsoil, mulch and over 11,000m2 of jute matting. We collected seed, supplied and installed over 400 shrubs and ground cover plants, more than 300 advanced trees and over 110,000 aquatic plants for the wetland. We were also contracted to maintain the wetland complex for 2 years, in readiness to hand over the asset to Melbourne Water at the end of the maintenance period.

To ensure compliance with Melbourne Water’s Wetland Design Manual, all shallow, deep and submerged marsh species were grown and supplied in 600cc plant formats, and all ephemeral plants were supplied in 93cc hiko cells or tubestock. The results have been outstanding with the site being awarded PC by Melbourne Water without defect. The site is currently being maintained by Australian Ecosystems, with under 5% weed cover and over 95% survival rates of all plantings. The site is now a thriving ecosystem and a beautiful space to visit. 

Scope of Works:

• Site preparation
• Supply and install of topsoil and mulch
• Supply and install of +11,000m2 of jute mat
• Supply and install of +400 shrubs and ground cover plants (150mm pots)
• Supply and install of +300 semi-advanced trees (300mm pots)
  Supply and install of +70,000 tubestock, +27,000 Hiko and +11,000 600cc aquatic plants for the wetland zone
• 2 year maintenance contract