Concept Plan
What is a concept plan?
A concept plan is way of illustrating what work has been proposed to be undertaken and how it may look once it is complete. Concept plans are used to demonstrate the intention of the proposed works before any detailed design or calculations are undertaken.
How was the Dowse Lagoon Rehabilitation Concept Plan developed?
The Dowse Lagoon Rehabilitation Concept Plan was developed in consultation with the Dowse Lagoon Community Reference Group (CRG). The CRG was provided with a number of reports and technical documents to assist them with the selection of features presented on the Concept Plan. The primary objectives of the Project were to improve the water quality, increase biodiversity and reduce the potential for midge infestations.
What is being suggested in the Concept Plan?
The Concept Plan has a number of features which will all contribute to the improvement of the Lagoon’s water quality and reduction in midge infestations.
These features are summarised below:
- Cooling of water by providing deeper areas within the lagoon and encouraging aquatic vegetation such as water lilies to establish and shade the water.
- Increase habitat diversity through the introduction of wetland, ephemeral and aquatic habitats. These habitats will increase the biodiversity of the Lagoon, reduce midge habitat and provide greater opportunities for establishment of midge predators. The increased habitat and species diversity will also add to the food chain and reduce the dependency of the turtles on aquatic vegetation as a sole food source. Some of the habitats are proposed to be established on material removed from the bed of the Lagoon to form the deepened areas.
- Maintain greater water volumes within the Lagoon by using treated effluent from the Sandgate Waste Water Treatment Plant to continuously recharge the Lagoon and increase flushing.
- Improving community safety around the Lagoon by relocating the pathway adjacent to Southerden Street away from the road edge. The pathway is proposed to be located on material removed from the bed of the Lagoon.
- Improve dedicated observation points to provide focal points for educational opportunities (wildlife feeding signage, interpretive signage) whilst minimising access to the Lagoon’s perimeter and the fragile habitat areas.
Is it safe to use treated effluent?
Yes. Effluent may be treated to varying levels of disinfection depending upon the potential contact with humans. Even though Dowse Lagoon is recognised as a wildlife habitat area, and hence limited human contact with the water would be expected, the effluent will be treated to a standard which permits recreational contact.
Can I provide my comments/feedback on the Concept Plan?
Yes. The Concept Plan is on public display and any comments are welcomed.
If you have any concerns about the Concept Plan you may wish to discuss them directly with a member of the CRG or with one of the BCC Project Team members. A feedback sheet is available for you to provide your comments.
How much will it cost to rehabilitate the Dowse Lagoon?
Undertaking a project of this size is likely to be expensive. There are at least three main components to the cost of this rehabilitation. Firstly, the supply of the treated effluent to the Lagoon, secondly the earthworks to deepen some areas of the Lagoon and thirdly the supply, planting and maintenance of the landscaping components which will form the basis of new habitat areas. Because the project is currently only at the concept stage and no detailed design or calculations have been undertaken the costs of these items have not yet been determined. Preliminary cost estimates will be sought following the Public display period.
When will it be done?
At this stage there is no date for the start of the proposed works. Following the public display period and after the preliminary cost estimates have been completed, funding will be sought for the project. The commencement of the works will be dependant upon available funding and consideration will also be given to seasonal weather patterns and other environmental issues before a programme for the work is determined. The community will be kept informed as to how the process is progressing and when the forecasts for starting are.
What will happen to the wildlife in the Lagoon during any rehabilitation works?
We shall be seeking specialist advice on how best to manage the wildlife during the rehabilitation works. It will be a requirement of the necessary licences and permits that impacts on the wildlife and the environment be considered and carefully planned for before any rehabilitation works can take place. At least ten permits including a RAMSAR referral would be required to undertake the rehabilitation plan depicted by the Concept Plan. Prior to commencement of any works an Environmental Management Plan will be developed. This plan will provide recommendations for how to minimise the impact of the proposed works on the environment.
