REFLECTIONS ESTATE – June 2008
Reflecting on Nature
At the heart of Reflections Estate in Tarneit, construction works are well advanced on what will soon be the first stage of Reflections Wetlands Park. This significant park will feature shared walking and cycling paths, a boardwalk and viewing platform, as well as numerous seating areas - all set amongst extensive drought tolerant landscaping.
Mature trees, such as the recently planted Quercus Palustris (Pin Oak) which stands just outside the newly opened Land Sales & Information office, will create an immediate effect while the younger trees and shrubs establish themselves over time.
To put the size of the wetlands park into perspective, the area will total almost 9 hectares, or 20% of the whole of the Reflections Estate land area, making it nearly 4.5 times the size of the playing area of the MCG.
On completion of the park, the shared walking & cycling path will provide a 1.85km circuit around the full length of the wetlands. A central boardwalk will cut across the wetlands creating two smaller circuits for those wishing to take a shorter stroll. And a planned fitness trail will provide further exercise opportunities for those who take fitness more seriously.
And while the developers, National Pacific Properties, have designed the Reflections Wetlands Park as and interesting and appealing place for both residents and native wildlife to enjoy year round, the wetlands also serve a significant purpose in the greater area. The wetlands will be a natural filtering system for stormwater runoff from both within the estate as well as residential areas further upstream, stripping nutrients and sediments from the water before releasing it into downstream waterways.
