Page 1134 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 4 May 2022
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Gross Pollutant Traps are the first water pollution control point in the stormwater network. They prevent the flow of coarse sediment, garbage and organic debris into waterways, water quality control ponds, and urban lakes. This maintains the appearance of these waterways and water bodies, assists with the maintenance of water quality, and ensures the health of downstream flora and fauna. There are over 265 such traps in the ACT’s stormwater network, which are designed to remove up to 70 per cent of material from stormwater runoff.
The ACT Government acknowledges that the population has grown in the Gungahlin region since the Moncrieff site was established. We are taking steps to improve containment and introduce soft landscaping to better control the waste and improve the aesthetics. These works will be undertaken by 30 June 2022.
In regards to the specific petition requests, TCCS will be installing chain wire fencing around the perimeter of the drying pad including heavy duty shade cloth to contain the dry material. TCCS have also developed a planting design for new trees around the pad site to improve its aesthetics, and are coordinating with the Ginninderra Catchment Group to deliver this. TCCS is regularly monitoring and maintaining the site and removing material, and are also planning to incorporate small, scented plants to assist with odour control. TCCS is also consulting with the Fire Management team as the site is partially zoned as a Bushfire Prone Area and is close to the Outer Asset Protection Zone. Works have been scheduled to slash and spray along the fence line, and a thick layer of mulch will be placed on the eastern side of the area after the permanent chain link fence has been installed.
Ginninderra Catchment Group volunteers will plant larger sized eucalypts (250mm spring ring) and screening shrubs (tubes) along the eastern side of the drying pad, and plant casuarinas between the pin oaks on the western side. The group will also look for opportunities to plant trees around May-June 2022 along the cycle path which runs north-east of the creek as part of the autumn planting program.
The mid to long-term management strategy will be to arrange two to three maintenance events with Ginninderra Catchment Group volunteers in the first year, and to return to spray out weeds one year after the initial planting. The site will be allowed to naturalise to minimise the need for ongoing maintenance.
TCCS has developed a suitable containment treatment and aesthetic improvements to the Gross Pollutant Trap as a permanent solution.
At present, there are no plans to remove this trap, nor move the drying pad closer to the Mugga Lane landfill. This is because there is a shortage of viable alternative locations which can accommodate this drying infrastructure at necessary and strategic points in Canberra’s waterways.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Gungahlin—skate park—petition 51-21
By Mr Steel, Minister for Transport and City Services, dated Monday, 2 May 2022, in response to a petition lodged by Mr Braddock on Thursday, 10 February 2022 requesting an upgrade to Gungahlin skate park.
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