Phase 1 Implementation September update
The following information provides an update on the progress of implementing the Maylands Lakes Environmental Restoration Masterplan Phase 1 projects.
Completed actions
Action | Project | Status |
AA1 | Ground survey of key areas | Project completed in December 2025 |
05 | Review and update midge management plan | Plan reviewed and updated to account for Phoslock applications |
32 | Add Phoslock to the system at regular intervals | Lakes Brearley and Bungana project completed in April 2026. Regular monitoring underway |
35 | Resurvey lake bathymetry to provide a high-quality baseline for detailed design | Project completed in December 2025 |
36 | Review literature for likely predator macroinvertebrates | Completed during planning for Lakes works |
38 & 04 | Landscape Redesign | The Landscape and Water Quality Plan was endorsed by Council at the June 2026 Ordinary Meeting |
42 | Audit existing landscape infrastructure | Project completed in December 2025 |
47 | Reduce fertiliser use in the catchment | Project being implemented and monitored by the City using existing promotional materials |
AA2 | Develop MERI Plan | Project completed in September 2026 |
Actions in progress
Brickworks Biofilter (Action 11)
Establishing a treatment biofilter at the upper end of Brickworks Lake is proposed within the Masterplan. Modifying Brickworks Lake to a biofilter will assist in treating inflows from the upstream catchment to the north of the lakes before water enters the main lake system. Biofilters function by passing water through specially selected vegetation and engineered soils, which remove nutrients and other pollutants, improving overall water quality and reducing nutrient loads entering the lakes. A tender to construct the Brickworks Biofilter was considered and endorsed by Council at the August 2026 Ordinary Meeting. City staff are now negotiating with the preferred contractor to finalise the contract.
Water Recirculation Pumping System (Action 12A)
Establishing a water recirculation pumping system for Lake Brearley forms part of Phase 1. Such systems are commonly used in urban lake environments to increase water movement, reduce stagnation and improve overall water quality. The project has progressed through the design development phase, and tenders were called for on 12 September. The project is planned to be completed by the end of the calendar year.
Lake Brearley Island and Bank Revegetation (Action 28)
The aim of this project is to revegetate the islands and northern bank of Lake Brearley as per the recently adopted Landscape and Water Quality Plan. The City has received $450,000 from the Federal Government under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program (URCP). The grant is being administered at a State level by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Tenders were called for on 12 September, with construction planned from October 2026 for completion in early 2027.
Add alum to existing blooms to allow flocculation of blooms (Action 20)
Alum was recently applied to an algal bloom in Brickworks Lake. This action will be implemented on an as-required basis.
Add Phoslock to the system at regular intervals (Action 32)
Phoslock was recently applied to an algal bloom in Brickworks Lake. This action will be implemented on an as-required basis.
