The total volume of water that will come out into Port Phillip Bay will not change as a result of the project.

The Elwood Canal does not have enough capacity to carry large volumes of water in storms and high rainfall events, which is why the Elwood area currently floods so extensively. This project will reduce stormwater that currently enters the bay via the Elwood Canal, by building a new diversion structure in Elster Creek which will divert floodwaters through the Elsternwick Park retarding basin and into the new drain. The treated stormwater will be discharged into Port Phillip Bay through the new outlet structure (Elwood Pier).

Council water quality improvements

There are water quality improvement benefits to be delivered under Bayside City Council’s Masterplan for Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve, including a new wetland system which is designed to treat baseflow and stormwater entering the wetland from Elster Creek. This will help filter pollutants out from the water passing through it on a daily basis, before it enters Port Phillip Bay. More information on this project can be found on the Bayside City Council website.

City of Port Phillip is currently looking into the feasibility of expanding stormwater harvesting from this reserve to irrigate open spaces in the area. Should this project proceed, it would also reduce stormwater pollution entering Port Phillip Bay.

Swimming at Elwood Beach

Part of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s role is to forecast water quality for beaches in Port Phillip Bay. They also send out alerts when there is an issue affecting a water body in Victoria.

The EPA advises people to avoid swimming near stormwater or river outlets 24-48 hours after heavy rain, and to always check for signs of pollution before swimming. These include:

• stormwater drains flowing
• murky water
• bad smell
• rubbish.

The EPA's Beach Report helps you decide when and where to swim in Port Phillip Bay. We recommend always checking this before swimming in the bay.