Work on the Belconnen Oval Wetland to improve water quality and catchment health has now begun.

Shane Rattenbury, ACT Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction, said new trees and water plants will filter 30 per cent of harmful nutrients like phosphorus, removing them before they enter Lake Ginninderra, thus improving water quality.

“The end result will be a beautiful and healthy wetland that provides habitat for native plants and wildlife,” Mr Rattenbury said. It will also, he predicts, be “an excellent place for local residents to enjoy”.

Construction on the Belconnen Oval Wetland is expected to be completed by mid-2024.

Temporary fences will restrict access to the site until works are completed.

“I thank the local Belconnen community for their engagement with the government during the consultation phase which has resulted in an improved final design of this important healthy waterways asset,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“This is part of the ACT Government’s Healthy Waterways Program that is designed to remove pollutants from stormwater before it flows into our lakes and ponds. Through projects like the floating wetlands in Lake Tuggeranong and the re-naturalisation of Tuggeranong Creek, we are helping to foster our native biodiversity across the city, reduce harmful pollutants, keep our water safe, and preserve Canberra’s natural environment.”

The 2023-24 Budget allocated a further $8.2 million to the Healthy Waterways Program, Mr Rattenbury noted.

For more information about the construction work and other projects helping to protect ACT waterways, visit the ACT Healthy Waterways Program page on the Environment website.

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