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Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate - Environment

Home Water Constructed Wetlands Dickson and Lyneham Wetlands

Dickson and Lyneham Wetlands

The Dickson and Lyneham wetlands are the latest in a suite of wetlands to be constructed in the Sullivan's Creek Catchment.

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Dickson Wetland Carers help weed and collect rubbish at the wetland. Image: Edwina Robinson. April 2013.

These wetlands provide multiple benefits including:

provide water quality improvements
play a role in flood detention
increase aquatic and terrestrial habitat in urban areas
provide an oasis in the suburbs
create new recreational, volunteering and educational opportunities
supply stormwater to irrigate playing fields.

Both wetlands include seating, informal play areas, viewing spots, pedestrian paths, artwork and shade.

Wetland construction commenced in September 2010.

Dickson

The construction of the off-line wetland at Hawdon St, Dickson was completed in December 2011. The pond and surrounds have been planted with a wide variety of locally occurring plants.

Excess stormwater is piped to the Dickson Playing Fields and stored in tanks on site. This water replaces the use of potable water (drinking quality water) and helps the ACT Government reach its water reduction targets.

The staff from the Urban Waterways program worked with local schools to design tiles for the inner-north wetlands. Students from Dickson College and Majura Primary created tile mosaics that reflect the wetlands. The mosaics have been installed in the paving at the Dickson wetland.

Fauna

Maned wood ducks quickly arrived after the wetland filled in May 2011 and a couple of black swans. Wood ducks are grazers and consumed mass plantings of Carex and Juncus. A range of measures were trialled to protect the plants including installation of bird netting and tree guards.

Local residents have spotted a number of other birds on site including:

Black-fronted dotterels
Plovers
Australasian Grebe
Hardheads
Coots
Little Pied Cormorant
Ibis

One of the rarer visitors was a flock of Plumed Whistling Ducks in spring 2011.

Frogs quickly colonised the wetlands. In October 2011, two local residents took part in the Frogwatch census with the Urban Waterways Coordinator. They recorded calls of:

Limnodynastes tasmaniensis
Crinia signifera
Crinia parinsignifera

Two other frog species have been recorded since then

Litoria peroni
Limnodynastes dumerili

Tiles by Dickson College ceramics students.

Tiles by Dickson College ceramics students. Photo: Edwina Robinson

Community Planting Day - 4 June 2011

Over 200 people attended the Community Planting Day on Saturday 4 June 11 despite the bleak weather. They planted macrophytes (reeds), native grasses and trees and installed tree guards to protect plants from ducks and cockatoos. The event was followed by a bbq where volunteers consumed 18kg of organic sausages!

Over 200 people attended the Community Planting Day on Saturday 4 June 11 despite the bleak weather.

Photo: Stephen Skinner

Looking at water bugs - water bugs or macroinvertebrates are a good indicator of how healthy a waterway is.

Looking at water bugs - water bugs or macroinvertebrates are a good indicator of how healthy a waterway is. Photo: Edwina Robinson

Tree guards were made up ready to be installed around plants

Tree guards were made up ready to be installed around plants. Photo: Edwina Robinson

Installing guards

Installing guards. Photo: Edwina Robinson

School Visits

Year 1 and 2 students from North Ainslie School were the first members of the public to view the wetland.

Students walked to the wetland in June 11

Students walked to the wetland in June 11. Photo: Edwina Robinson

More information

Lyneham

The Lyneham wetland was opened to the public in April 2012. Like Dickson, it was planted with a diverse range of plant species. A Community Planting Day was held on 4 December 2011. Volunteers planted 1200 native grasses and shrubs.

View from the Wattle St, Lyneham bridge, March 2011