BELLE EDEN PARK GETS AN UPGRADE

Evolve Environmental Solutions was engaged by Bundaberg Regional Council to complete the works for the Belle Eden Park Waterway Naturalisation project. This project has received funding through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) and financial contributions from developers to improve stormwater quality.

The restoration of the Belle Eden Park drainage channel is set to improve stormwater quality and treat potentially polluted stormwater runoff, when left untreated, is harmful to sensitive downstream waterways and ecosystems like that of Baldwin Swamp. Along with improving water quality, the project aims to create an attractive and usable recreational space for local community members. This will be achieved through the provision of new footpath connections, pedestrian bridge, picnic shelter, new park benches, waterway rock crossings, additional trees for shade and grassed open spaces for active play.

Contracted works began for Evolve Environmental Solutions on 1^st March 2021 and the team is currently in the last month of the construction period. Works have been divided into three stages, beginning at Sienna Boulevard and working towards Gum Nut Drive Park.

Following community consultation, the project also includes the remediation of existing retaining walls which border Belle Eden Park. Council investigations highlighted the displacement of the wall and is undertaking proactive works to rectify the infrastructure.

The main project objectives set for Evolve Environmental Solutions to target, include:

1. The improvement of stormwater quality, treat polluted stormwater runoff and downstream waterways
2. To improve the biodiversity and ecology of Belle Eden Park waterway
3. To provide an all-access footpath link from Belle Eden Drive to Gum Nut Drive Park and from Longview Drive to Belle Eden Park (including an additional bridge crossing)
4. To provide the local community with a picnic shelter, park benches, rock crossings, additional trees for shade and grassed open spaces for active play
5. Installation of softscapes to increase the liveability of the park

Project features:

1. 1m rock lined fish passage and low flow channel
2. Reinstatement of a riparian corridor, displaying the qualities of a natural waterway
3. Several informal rock crossings, facilitating connection to the waterway
4. Installation of new footpaths and a connecting bridge crossing
5. Installation of park benches, picnic shelter, picnic setting and softscapes  

The rehabilitation management plan that Evolve Environmental followed for the project has been broken down into multiple units of management. Each unit has targeted one of the above objectives, which includes initially removing the existing rock-lined drain, the existing waterway was then realigned and reshaped. The second stage of the project included the installation of over 40,000 plants. Specifically selected for the primary function of quality improvement for the downstream waterway. 

Find out more about Evolve Environmental Solutions via the link below.