In the northwest pocket of Bayside City Council's municipal boundary, something very special is happening. Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve is a transformative project and is growing Bayside's open space network. With funding support from the Australian Government, we're creating a refuge and place of tranquillity for both wildlife and people and returning the land to be more reflective of its original, natural state.
New growth in the wildflower meadow, the grassy woodlands, and surrounding the meeting place is tempting the imagination for what the future holds on this site. The reserve is hosting more migratory small bush birds, with increased stopover-times being observed.
The chain of ponds is attracting water and amphibious life, and aquatic planting is increasing the insect life and food source for wildlife.
Visitors to the reserve are enjoying the 2.5kms of walking paths, public amenities and new picnicking and seating areas throughout the reserve.
In the next phase of realising the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve's masterplan vision, we're transforming 40% of the reserve into a tranquil and stunning urban wetland. The wetlands will provide critical habitat for wildlife and new vegetation habitat zones.
By integrating sustainable water management practices, the wetlands will naturally filter pollutants and sediments from stormwater, improving water quality before its reuse within the reserve, irrigation for the adjacent sports fields, or release into Port Phillip Bay.
The existing flood retarding basin functionality is being maintained, and construction is increasing stormwater storage capacity. Even when full, the increased volume of the wetlands will slow the release of excess water and help to reduce flood risk.
Adhering to the Melbourne Water Constructed Wetlands Design Manual the wetlands design is endorsed by Melbourne Water, the reserve's managing water authority. The wetlands will have a geosynthetic clay liner, commonly used for constructed wetlands where sandy soils are present, and standard for wetland design guidelines across Australia.
Through detailed and specialist tree impact assessment, we've determined some trees will not tolerate the wetland environment, will be impacted by earthworks, or will inhibit the new indigenous vegetation communities.
To prepare for the wetland's construction, we're removing these trees in the localised southern wetland area. All efforts are being taken to minimise the number of trees being removed. Most trees, logs and branches are being repurposed onsite for landscaping and habitat creation.
We're replanting the wetlands with extensive vegetation, using approximately 200,000 new terrestrial and aquatic plants, and 1,900 trees enabling a diverse and healthy eco-system. The necessary tree removal is being undertaken in July (weather permitting). The area will remain closed for public access during the wetlands construction and is scheduled to reopen in March 2026.
