Einbunpin Lagoon may be drained as part of long-term management plan
A Brisbane bayside lagoon could be drained, relined, replanted and fitted with a pump system to circulate water as part of a long-term management plan to fix ongoing problems.
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A NORTH Brisbane lagoon could be drained, relined and fitted with a pump system to circulate water as part of its long-term management.
Other measures at Einbunpin Lagoon in Sandgate could include the addition of wetland plants and more natural planted edges.
In June last year Brisbane City Council committed $250,000 to develop a management plan for the lagoon which has been neglected for years, with concrete edging constantly crumbling, concerns about water quality and regular blooms of toxic blue green algae.
Cr Jared Cassidy (Deagon) said he had received an initial briefing on council’s progress “and it sounds like a lot of thoughtful work has gone into this by the experts”.
“What they’re suggesting is for the lagoon to be drained, the excess sediment removed and a new clay liner put in place,” he said.
“It’s thought that the previous clay liner was damaged the last time the lagoon was drained which has led to blue green algae issues.
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“A section will be removed as open water (on the Keogh St side near the toilets) and planted with wetland plants and a pump system added to circulate the water through there as natural filtration.
“This would make each side of the lagoon fairly even.”
Cr Cassidy said Council officers were also proposing more natural planted edges and more shade over the water from trees.
“This would make the lagoon deeper, cooler and naturally filtered.
“This work would have to occur over winter and in sections with a bund (retaining) wall temporarily installed to ensure wildlife doesn’t have to be removed.
“I haven’t seen the plan itself yet as it’s still being finalised, but there will be extensive consultation before it progresses.”
A Council spokesman said Council was planning to meet with key community groups in February to discuss the ongoing development of the plan.
“After this initial engagement, Council plans to consult with the broader Sandgate community after Easter,” the spokesman said.
“Council is evaluating options to improve the water quality including improving water flow, establishing aquatic plants and removing nutrient-rich soil, on top of the regular maintenance undertaken at the lagoon.”
Keep Sandgate Beautiful Association president Linda McMahon said the group was looking forward to seeing the full details of the plan.
“If council is addressing the issue of the hard edge and filtering and aeration of the water, they are all very good measures,” Ms McMahon said.
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“And using wetland plants will help filter and clean the water.
“We would also like to see some measures to control the ibis population because we believe they add to the nutrient load, and would like to see some permanent educational signage about discouraging the feeding of the ducks.”
Cr Cassidy said it could by July-October 2021 before any work was carried out on the lagoon, pending funding.
“The early cost estimates are $650,000 to $800,000 which is not prohibitive in my experience. That could easily be accommodated in Council’s Parks Maintenance budget.”
The Council spokesman said maintenance works were carried out in line with citywide priorities.
Cr Cassidy said the management plan was “a big step in the right direction”.
“When we secure funding for the works it will make a huge difference to the centre of Sandgate.
“The lagoon is an icon to Sandgate and we need to be looking after it much better.”
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