Project Details
The Point Fraser wetland is situated on the Swan River foreshore in East Perth, Western Australia. It was constructed by the City of Perth in 2004 for the purpose of intercepting and decontaminating urban stormwater from part of the East Perth catchment before its discharge to the Swan River.
WSUD Category: Biofilter/raingarden, Constructed wetland, Retention of native vegetation, Swale / buffer strip
| Criteria | Information |
|---|---|
| Development Type: | Public Open Space |
| Function/Driver: | Water quality |
| Government Area: | City of Perth |
| Site Context: | Shallow groundwater |
| Year Completed: | 2004 |
Overview
The Point Fraser wetland is situated on the Swan River foreshore in East Perth, Western Australia. It was constructed by the City of Perth in 2004 for the purpose of intercepting and decontaminating urban stormwater from part of the East Perth catchment before its discharge to the Swan River. Prior to this, stormwater collected in the catchment’s conventional drainage system was permitted to discharge directly into the river without treatment and with potentially harmful consequences for the river’s downstream ecosystem.
How it works:
The main purpose of the Point Fraser wetland is to protect the estuarine environment from the potentially harmful effects of contaminated urban stormwater emanating from part of the East Perth catchment. Stormwater is directed into a large, permanent open water body where sediment is able to settle. From there, water flows through an extensive system of vegetated shallows before entering a filtration zone of rushes prior to entering the river. The choice and arrangement of plant species has been designed to promote an even flow of stormwater through the wetland and to maximise filtration of sediments and the bacterial transformation of nutrients through a “bio-filter” process. The project enables best practice stormwater management techniques to be used and allows for on-going monitoring of urban stormwater discharge. The wetland designers are currently responsible for undertaking periodic monitoring of wetland health, including such parameters as soil quality, water quality, plant quality and habitat condition.
The specific objectives which the wetland has been designed to deliver are:
- Removal of contaminants and nutrients from stormwater received from the upstream catchment before its discharge to the Swan River;
- Demonstration of ‘state of the art’ best practice stormwater management techniques;
- Provision of habitat for native fauna, especially avifauna;
- Interpretation of the social, cultural, historical and environmental values of the site and its environs;
- Provision of a recreational and educational environment for the public; and
- Provision of a visually attractive entry statement to the City.
Contact Department: City of Perth Parks and Environment