Nestled within the endemic landscape of the volcanic plains grasslands lies Ellarook, a residential development on former compromised agricultural land undergoing a transformative journey towards sustainability and ecological vibrancy. Intrapac Property CEO, Maxwell Shifman discussed the challenges of developing this area.
The wetlands are part of the broader Ellarook water sensitive urban design strategy which prioritises the reintroduction of nature, water flow management, and biodiversity restoration.
“There’s a reason why the western suburbs are among the last remaining land surrounding Melbourne to be developed. The harsh volcanic plains conditions present a challenge for establishing civil infrastructure on what is really hard ground. The ecological values of this area have been badly degraded over many years, requiring complex strategies for reintroducing biodiversity. Restoring natural waterways and managing stormwater runoff are crucial responsibilities.”
The Ellarook Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) strategy represents a regenerative approach to urban development, prioritising the reintroduction of nature, water flow management, and biodiversity restoration.
Impact of WSUD on Neighborhood Planning
Two waterways bookend Ellarook’s 43 Ha site. To the west lies Skeleton Creek, a conservation reserve that winds through the western suburbs and out to Port Phillip Bay via the Cheetham Wetlands. Walking paths will link Ellarook to a vast recreation network from Tarneit to Point Cook. To the east, a man-made wetland has been designed to effectively manage stormwater, providing an alternative green spine and recreation area.
“Every home within Ellarook is within 300 meters of a green space”, says Ellarook Development Director Anthony Jansen.
By integrating principles of water sensitivity into the planning process, Intrapac is fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious community. Prioritising public amenity spaces and enhancing community connectivity with nature not only improves the liveability of Ellarook but also fosters a strong sense of community identity.
WSUD Strategy
At the core of the Ellarook WSUD strategy lies a comprehensive approach to water management that safeguards homes, preserves natural ecosystems, and promotes sustainable development.
“By strategically implementing above and below-ground infrastructure, the civil services at Ellarook manages water flow to protect against flooding and mitigate the impact of standard rainfall and extreme weather events”, says Jansen.
Native vegetation plays a crucial role in this process, acting as a natural sponge to slow water flows and filter runoff. Additionally, introducing a comprehensive stormwater treatment system ensures that dirty water is treated before entering natural waterways, safeguarding the health of local flora and fauna and preventing contaminated runoff from reaching Port Phillip Bay.
Walking paths will link Ellarook to a vast recreation network from Tarneit to Point Cook
Restoration of Natural Systems
One of the most compelling aspects of the Ellarook WSUD strategy is its dedication to restoring natural systems, particularly along Skeleton Creek. This vital ecosystem corridor is undergoing a transformative rejuvenation, guided by initiatives such as weed removal, seed collection, propagation of native species, and habitat restoration.
“Restoring Skeleton Creek is a multi-stage process,” explained Shifman. “The first stage involves the removal of weeds and pests. There will be the collection of native seeds over multiple seasons, propagation of native species off-site and multiple plantings to re-establish native plants. This is really expert work, so we work with Australian Ecosystems, a leading company in this field, and they manage the whole process.”
By reintroducing native vegetation and restoring habitat diversity, ecological resilience is enhanced, biodiversity gradually increases, and opportunities for residents to reconnect with the natural world are created.
The Ellarook Water Sensitive Urban Design strategy represents best practice urban development, where sustainability, resilience, and ecological integrity are paramount. Through its innovative approach to neighbourhood planning, comprehensive WSUD strategy, and dedication to restoring natural systems, Ellarook emerges as a model community for the 21st century. As other cities grapple with the challenges of rapid urbanisation and climate change, Ellarook is a testament to the power of visionary planning and collaborative action in building a more sustainable future.