The Elliminyt Wetlands project is continuing to take shape, with civil construction complete and final landscaping and community amenities close to delivery.
The project will provide flood protection for approximately 70 hectares of downstream land, enabling future residential development in line with Council's Colac 2050 Growth Plan, while also delivering a significant new area of community open space.
Council Chief Executive Officer Andrew Tenni said the project marked an important step toward addressing housing supply while creating long‑term environmental benefits for the community.
"Council and contractor Bild Greenfields commenced work on the site in July 2025, and despite challenging weather conditions over recent months, the project has progressed well," Mr Tenni said.
"The civil works portion of the project is now complete, including reconstruction of the basin and delivery of the sediment pond, wetlands area, outlet pond and detention pond, which together will manage stormwater flows and protect downstream waterways."
Landscaping works are now almost finished, with the playground area and shelter expected to be completed within the next two weeks. Vegetation planting across the wetlands and open space areas will continue as final works are undertaken.
"While recent and ongoing rainfall has slowed some remaining works, it has also had positive impacts by helping fill the basin to operational levels and improving establishment of new plantings within the wetlands," Mr Tenni said.
"These wetlands play a critical role in preventing sediment and nutrients from entering Deans Creek and Lake Colac, supporting water quality and environmental outcomes downstream."
The infrastructure includes a sediment pond, natural wetland zones and vegetated swales - shallow landscaped channels designed to improve stormwater quality before water leaves the site.
The final works are weather‑dependent, but completion is expected in early June.
Mr Tenni said a formal opening of the site will be conducted on a date to be confirmed.
"This is a really significant project and a place the community will be able to enjoy. We look forward to celebrating its completion."
The Elliminyt Wetlands project is jointly funded, including a $3 million contribution from Regional Development Victoria through its Regional Infrastructure Fund.
