The Esplanade road reserve in Brentwood underwent a biofilter-based stormwater management project by the City of Melville, enhancing water quality and streetscape while reducing maintenance costs.
Scale: Street
Development Type: Residential development, Retrofitting
Local Government: City of Melville
WSUD Solution: Biofilter and raingardens, Waterwise landscaping
The Esplanade road reserve in Brentwood, managed by the City of Melville, underwent a transformative verge renewal project aimed at managing stormwater runoff before it reaches the ecologically sensitive Canning River.
Completed in November 2016, the project incorporated biofilter garden beds filled with native soil and TerraCottem©, strategically placed between the road and pedestrian footpaths to treat and infiltrate stormwater. Additionally, limestone paths were integrated to ensure safe pedestrian access without disturbing vegetation, while laterite spalls prevented erosion and created visually appealing water paths. The road’s grading directs runoff towards the biofilter beds, enhancing water retention and filtration.
This project, spanning 600m, with 360m of biofilters, effectively protects the Canning River from stormwater pollution. Although some residents expressed concerns about obstructed views due to trees, overall feedback has been positive, recognizing the improvement in streetscape and amenity. Moreover, the project potentially reduces maintenance costs compared to traditional methods, offering a sustainable solution for stormwater management in urban landscapes.
Our focus areas
Supporting community wellbeing and healthy environments within resilient and sustainable places throughout Western Australia.
