The Lakes in the iconic Hyde Park have been a source of joy for both visitors and local wildlife over many years.
In recent years the Lakes have been adversely affected by the weather conditions (long summers, drought, limited rain in the winter, decreased water levels, water restrictions etc). The Town of Vincent is dedicated to finding ways to minimise the impact of the environmental factors on the Lakes and is doing all possible to improve their water levels, amenity and sustainability.
To address the issues facing the Hyde Park Lakes a Working Group was formed to look into the challenges and possible solutions to aid the Lakes now and into the future.
Masterplan options for the restoration of Hyde Park Lakes were completed in December 2008 and a further progress report on the Hyde Park Lakes was presented to the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 10 February 2009.
At the meeting the Council adopted “in principle” Option1 – Integrated Wetland as the preferred option for the restoration of the lakes and following a community workshop and information session in March 2009 this option was advertised for public comment in April/May 2009.
Whilst there were few individual responses (mainly in favour of the proposal) a petition signed by 276 persons was received requesting that the lakes be returned to their former glory rather than become a “swamp” or “seasonal wetland”.
Subsequently staff held further meeting with the Water Corporation and Department of Water to discuss further alternatives and issues such as decreasing the size of the compensating basin and water availability for recharging the lakes. Whilst it was acknowledged that the lakes could be retained exactly as they are now, it was considered that they could possibly be modified to retain their existing character while at the same time incorporating many of the environmental recommendations of the Syrinx Option 2 – Permanent water Solution with some form of treatment capacity.
Staff then developed a modified or hybrid Option referred to as Option 2A – Ornamental Permanent Water Solution which was presented to the Council at its Ordinary Meeting held on 13 October 2009 where it was adopted.
With the Town’s hybrid Option 2A no soft edging or planting will be undertaken around the lake edges and a new limestone wall will be constructed around the entire perimeter of both lakes.
Revegetation of the islands and swales will largely comprise of low sedge land and native shrub species that provide the nutrient stripping qualities that are required for such a project. Existing mature vegetation, both exotic and native, will be retained wherever possible; however this may not be possible in all areas due to the engineering requirements of the project particularly on both islands where levels will be critical for sufficient movement of water through the biofilters.
Syrinx Environmental’s Options 1 & 2 also recommended that the existing islands be remediated to act as biofilters, they would require re-engineering and be revegetated with species endemic to the area. Increasing the size of the islands will also be further explored to achieve more biofilter area.
A Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) is currently being undertaken by Golder Associates to determine what contaminants are identified in the lake water and sediments and what the extent of the contaminated material is around the site. Preliminary meetings with the consultant have been held and it appears that the level of contaminates in the lake sediments varies, however indications are that the contaminants present are what would be expected in a compensating basin which has been in existence for many years.
Following the completion of the DSI and confirmation that the Town has secured the $2 million from the Federal Government to progress the project staff will be acquiring the necessary approvals and engaging consultants to complete the detail design and documentation required prior to on site works commencing as early as August 2010.
For further information on the progress of this project, please call the Manager Parks & Property Services on 9273 6066.