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Daylighting the creek enhanced the biodiversity and public amenity, strengthened the ecological value of the waterway and improved stormwater runoff quality.

Regional Jan Juc Creek Daylighting Project

Surf Coast Shire Council

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Project Overview

In 2012, the ‘Friends of Jan Juc Creek Reserve’ (FJJCR) community group presented Council with the idea of reinstating sections of the creek to a more natural state by removing underground drainage infrastructure and recreating the creek channel (daylighting). The project involved decommissioning and modifying the existing underground drainage, returning stormwater flows to the surface of the creek, building a sedimentation basin, and reshaping creek banks. Extensive replanting of indigenous species was also undertaken to restore natural habitats. Daylighting the creek enhanced the biodiversity and public amenity, strengthened the ecological value of the waterway and improved stormwater runoff quality.

Key messages

  • Community groups play an important role in recognising the liveability benefits of waterways and bringing these to the attention of Council.
  • Daylighting the creek greatly improved the amenity and biodiversity values of the reserve, balancing landscape and open space outcomes with waterway improvement.
  • Returning stormwater flows to the surface of the creek improved runoff quality and receiving waterway health.
  • The daylighting project created an opportunity to educate the community about the value of waterways and reconnect them with the creek.

Organisations

Surf Coast Shire Council, Friends of Jan Juc Creek Reserve (FJJCR), Corangamite CMA, and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. The Wathaurong Aboriginal Corporate and Surfers Appreciating the Natural Environment community group also provided in-principle support to the Shire's grant submission. Wathaurung also provided cultural heritage approvals for the works and approved the cultural heritage management plan.

Project Cost

Stage 1 cost for detailed design, approvals and construction was $370,000, plus an in-kind contribution from Council of around $40,000 for project management services. In-principle support from Corangamite CMA. $380,000 grant from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Timeframe

2012 Jan Juc Creek master plan

2013 original concept design report

2014 detailed design and approvals

2015-2016 construction