Community raingarden to help divert and treat rainfall runoff

Warrandyte Uniting Church has a peace vision which in part focuses on engaging the community in ways to protect and care for our environment. In keeping with this vision, the church is leading a program around raingardens and caring for the earth.

A feature of the program is a newly constructed raingarden on the church grounds which was financially supported by Warrandyte Community Bank and Manningham Council.

The raingarden will divert and treat rainfall runoff from across the site as an example of what people can do in their own gardens.

Church project lead Ken Keam, said raingardens improve the quality of our waterways by filtering pollutants from stormwater and using stormwater to irrigate plants. They create habitat for local wildlife by promoting vegetation growth. By using stormwater for irrigation, they also conserve drinking water supplies.

“The project also aims to improve community understanding and knowledge about simple opportunities to preserve our natural environment and adapt to the impacts of climate change,” Ken said.

The program has included several information and interactive sessions for the local community and schools. Other contributors have included the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, as well as other local community groups and Melbourne Water.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said Council hoped the program would empower locals to consider how they can help build a resilient, liveable and sustainable future for Manningham.

“It’s great to see community members taking action to help secure our water future,” she said.

“Council is currently undertaking a number of flooding and stormwater management initiatives, aimed at building a more resilient and liveable Manningham and to facilitate robust planning for the future,” Cr Diamante said.

Ken also serves as a member on our recently formed Flooding and Stormwater Management Community Reference Panel. When asked about his interests in serving on the Panel, Ken said he is concerned about mitigating and adapting to the impacts of global warming.

“I hope that this opportunity will help to preserve the natural environment and liveability of this municipality by ensuring that the management of stormwater, as far as possible, encompasses the principles of Water Sensitive Urban Design, climate change adaption and community expectations,” he said.

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