Riverwood Wetland

Hurstville City Council constructed the Riverwood Wetland in 1996-1997 with funding from the NSW Government’s Stormwater Trust. The wetland is located at William and Henry Roads, in Riverwood, within the catchment of Salt Pan Creek.

The project was undertaken in response to urbanisation in the catchment which led to degradation of the existing wetland. The area had been impacted by excessive sediment and nutrient loads in stormwater, damage through uncontrolled public access, invasion of weed species and predation on native fauna by domestic animals. As a result, a loss of public amenity and threats to biological diversity in the area had arisen.

The project involved construction a wetland within an open drainage path, and an in-stream sedimentation pond to transport flows from a previously constructed gross pollutant trap to a reed bed for further filtration. Flows in excess of the reed bed capacity overspill into a natural salt marsh area before entering Salt Pan Creek.

Through the culling of weeds and exotic plants, and the planting of native species in the reed bed, the Riverwood Wetland has become a natural habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. The wetland plants have also had positive effects on the level of pollutants in the stormwater, including heavy metals and sediments.

In conjunction with the construction of the Wetland, footpaths, boardwalks and barbecue areas were established to promote and encourage recreational activities. Educational signs have also been erected to help raise community awareness and interest in the project, and other stormwater management activities.

By emulating the natural system, removing weeds and rubbish, and minimising the amount of visible concrete, Council has significantly improved the ecological, aesthetic and recreational amenity of the Riverwood Wetland.