“Floating wetlands” series makes its way upstream

Additional “floating wetlands” have been introduced at the Turning Basin near Enterprize Park as part of a City of Melbourne project to support healthy ecosystems in the Yarra River.

The two new wetlands follow three already established platforms launched at Yarra’s Edge near Webb Bridge and Victoria Harbour Promenade in Docklands in December last year after the state government provided a $700,000 grant to the council to begin the trial.

Designed to encourage plant growth and support the return of native wildlife, the wetlands are made up of a series of interlocking platforms that have been placed on the water and anchored to the riverbed.

The platforms include perching posts, drying banisters, basking areas, sunken plantings and small ramps.

City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said that the project was “another step forward for the Greenline Project.”

“These wetlands will add to the calming, natural environment of the Yarra River – Birrarung, and will give visitors and residents more reason to choose this precinct as a spot to unwind with co-workers, friends and family,” Cr Capp said.

The wetlands at Yarra’s Edge has already had some success in attracting birdlife to the river, with a number of species spotted using the platform.

The Turning Basin and other locations were chosen for the project as the lower stretch of the Yarra River was once home to a rich ecosystem of riparian vegetation and seasonal wetlands, according to the council.

The unique environment was also significant to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and the people of the broader Eastern Kulin nation.

“A healthy river system is vital for a growing city like Melbourne and we need to encourage projects like this which protect and support our native ecosystems and biodiversity,” the council’s environment portfolio lead Cr Rohan Leppert said.

The council said that the project will provide opportunities for the community to learn about Indigenous plants as well as improving future urban waterways.