Work will start on the Belle Eden Park Waterway Naturalisation project this month, turning the existing rock-lined drain into a thriving natural waterway and recreation area.
Contractor Evolve Environmental Solutions will be onsite from 1 March and divisional representative Cr May Mitchell said it would be exciting to see the project underway.
“Evolve Environmental Solutions was the successful tenderer for this project and have extensive expertise and experience in delivering projects of this type and scale,” Cr Mitchell said.
“The company has been involved in ecological rehabilitation across the state including revegetation works and waterway and wetland rehabilitation.”
Work on creating the Belle Eden waterway will be undertaken in three stages, beginning at the Sienna Boulevard end and working towards Gum Nut Drive Park.
Bundaberg Regional Council senior engineer and project manager Tim Fichera said the project’s initial stage would see the existing rock-lined drain removed and the existing waterway realigned and reshaped.
“A majority of the rock and material excavated from the existing waterway will be re-used as fill material for the remediation of the retaining walls,” Tim said.
“Once this is complete, topsoil will be spread over the entire site and organic mulch will be cultivated into the new waterway to improve the ground conditions for plant establishment.”
The second stage of the project will include landscaping and the installation of an irrigation system.
Cr Mitchell said new pathways, a park shelter and bench seats would also be installed in Belle Eden Park.
“Additional trees and plants will be planted within the waterway.
“The final stage will be a rigorous establishment and maintenance program undertaken by the contractor over a three year period.
“The result will be a stunning natural waterway and recreation area for the entire community to enjoy.”
The construction of the Belle Eden Park project is expected to take 16 weeks to complete, weather permitting.
This Bundaberg Regional Council project has been funded with support from the Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure project.