Lillydale Lake Wetland was originally constructed to contribute to Melbourne Water’s State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) 100 tonne nitrogen removal target and to provide other stormwater treatment functions for gross pollutants, suspended solids and phosphorus. The existing wetland was not achieving its intended stormwater quality treatment function due largely to the lack of emergent aquatic vegetation cover and short circuiting of the design flow paths in the wetland.
The objectives of the project were to:
- Restore the stormwater treatment function of the wetland.
- Improve the safety and maintainability of the wetland.
- Improve the habitat and amenity of the site.
Scope of Work
Supply, construct, install, integrate and commission for the Lilydale Lake Wetland. Major elements include:
- Community Engagement (plan developed by MW).
- Dewatering of the wetlands.
- Importation, placement and compaction of clay to form new shape of wetlands
- Undertaking all soil treatment to manage Potential Acid Sulfate Soils
- Construction of the internal wetland bund wall.
- Structural modifications and installation of pits and pipes.
- Construction of inlet rock chute, control outlet weir and outlet rock chute
- Topsoil application to wetland area to allow for planting by Others
Innovation & Complexity
SFP’s key drivers for the project are:
- Minimising community implact.
- Stormwater flow management.
- Staging of works to reduce project costs, duration and risk.
- Minimise envrionmental impact of high profile public amenity
Innovation:
- Drones were used to undertake surveys of the wetlands to measure progress and check construction levels.



Project Outcomes
Safety
As the project nears completion, zero LTI’s have been incurred and only one MTI. We have run fortnightly toolboxes with all Personnel onsite and encouraged discussion of any issues or ideas for improvement.
Quality
Compaction to 98% achieved below new control structures to ensure long term stability and function.
Environmental
Outcome of the Project will improve water quality in the receiving Lillydale Lake and provide habitat for aquatic fauna and various bird breeds.
Community
The project improves the quality of the water in the lake, a very popular amenity used for various activities.
Key Staff Involved
Matt Lyon
Project Manager
Jenny Hiller
Community Engagement
Louie Naldrett
Senior Project Engineer
Simon Crowther
Supervisor
Dave Plunkett
HSEQ
Y10192