The Atherstone Central Wetlands, located in Strathtulloh, has become a regionally significant piece of infrastructure for the treatment of stormwater runoff, playing an important role in protecting the delicate Toolern Creek waterway system. Beyond the core functionality of the wetland, GbLA considered the opportunity to deliver 7.5 hectares of diverse local revegetation and habitat creation, complemented by thoughtfully designed path networks and picnic facilities that enhance the community’s connection to the site. The outcome is a high quality landscape that successfully meets stormwater filtration, habitat creation and public amenity objectives.

Rehabilitation of this heavily degraded site began with careful weed, tree, and soil management. This process was critical in ensuring the successful re-establishment of three locally occurring native landscape types, or Environmental Vegetation Classes (EVCs): Lignum Swampland, Woodland Plains, and Escarpment Shrublands. Through a carefully considered planting design, these EVCs were deliberately matched to the site’s topography and hydrology to support long-term establishment and resilience. This was followed by the crucial task of selecting, sourcing and siting more than 225,000 plants originating from the Volcanic Plains Bioregion. These plants were contract-grown and installed alongside an ongoing and effective weed management program. Direct seeding of native grass species was also undertaken in suitable areas across the site, with the aim of recreating valuable grassland habitat.

A generous communal gathering space was also delivered as part of the project to encourage community cohesion and engagement with the revitalised landscape. This space includes a custom-built shelter, a barbecue clad in site-sourced stone, and multiple breakout seating areas, some of which incorporate repurposed site boulders. A circuitous path network connects the Toolern Creek shared path to nearby shopping and public transport opportunities, while two bespoke viewing platforms further strengthen connections to the water within the wetland and the broader landscape.