Contour banks & constructed wetlands – making the most of rainfall

Event details

  • 3 December 2017
  • 10:00 am
  • TBA
  • 0439 461 591

On Sunday 3 December, Rin and Ron Hills will open their property Nirronup, for a workshop about contour banks and constructed wetlands. Their property is typical of many around Albany, it is 60 acres with mostly sandy soils over gravel. The property is very gently sloped appearing almost flat. The paddocks are mainly kikuyu with a mix of other grasses and some legumes.  Over the last 15 years they have transformed their property from one with little water storage and pretty barren during summer, into a place teeming with life.

The day will start with a property tour and informal discussions, where participants will be able to see the 7 dams, 3 wetlands and various contour banks used to direct and slow water flow on the property. There will be a tour of the machinery shed to look at the equipment used to create the banks and wetlands.  There will also be discussions on how to make a bunyip level and a demonstration on how to use it.  Rin and Ron will also share their experiences about what has worked and changes they have noticed including to the soil structure.  They will also talk about what has been less successful.

If you are still wondering if contour banks are relevant to you, some of their advantages are, they can increase catchment area of dams, and slow down water in the landscape ensuring good water penetration into the soil profile, improving productivity during drought. They can also help during extreme weather events by slowing and directing water in the landscape, which assists with minimising erosion, saving topsoil and as well valuable infrastructure.
Date: Sunday 3 December
Time: 10:00-3:00
RSVP: for venue and other details
Cost: FREE to TCG members (TCG membership $5)
Bookings: info@torbaycatchment.org.au or 0439 461 591