Works begin to drain and clean Kirwan ponds
Date published: 12 November 2019
Townsville City Council will this week begin works to drain, clean and upgrade infrastructure at three ponds in Kirwan.
While Council undertakes regular maintenance and cleaning of the man-made Golf Links Dr ponds, every few years Council carries out a complete maintenance program.
Townsville Water and Waste Committee Chair and local Councillor Russ Cook said there were several steps involved in the detailed program.
“These steps include draining the ponds, removing all weeds, cleaning the pond floor and walls, undertaking maintenance or upgrades on any damaged areas, and making sure the current structure of walls and ponds allows the pond to operate in accordance with the original design of an artificial wetland,” Cr Cook said.
“Crews have already started removing the water from the first pond, and will start removing water from a second pond this week.
“The animals that call the ponds home will be looked after until they can be reintroduced into the water.”
Cr Cook said the works came following feedback from residents in the area.
“Council has listened to the concerns of locals, and has decided to conduct a full maintenance program on these ponds. This will effectively manage any odour issues that may arise from stagnant water or weed decomposition,” Cr Cook said.
“The works will take two weeks to complete and once they are done, the maintenance of the ponds will go back onto our normal schedules, ensuring the ponds are up to scratch.”
Council’s regular maintenance program includes rubbish removal, water quality monitoring, weed removal and applying probiotic formulas to supress weed growth and odours.
The works are expected to finish in late November.
