Bullock Creek in Wānaka is set to benefit from modifications made to the Alpha Series stormwater retention pond nearby, when work starts on Monday 23 February to improve this infrastructure.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) General Manager Property & Infrastructure, Tony Avery acknowledged Bullock Creek’s importance in Wānaka, shown through the many years of volunteer work by community groups to preserve the area’s ecological significance and community heritage.

“Following development activity in the upstream catchment, Council has been exploring opportunities to improve how stormwater enters and flows through Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs Wetland, into Bullock Creek, and on to Lake Wānaka for some time,” said Mr Avery.

“I’m pleased to share we’re progressing several modifications to the Alpha Series stormwater retention pond nearby, which will lessen the impact of urban stormwater runoff entering this highly valued natural environment and help protect this feature for future generations to enjoy.”

As part of the project, work will include:

• Modifications to the existing outlet on the nearby retention pond to reduce standing water, allowing for more gradual release of water from the pond.
• Water quality improvements through a longer and modified flow path and the planting of hundreds of native plants, providing a reduced but consistent flow of water while enabling it to contact newly planted areas within the reserve.
• Installation of a flow retention device on the nearby retention pond to help manage high discharge rates.

Some disruption is likely around the western end of Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs Wetland while crews work in the area, which will include construction machinery and truck movements near the site, and may include some noise and vibration too.

Access to the reserve will be maintained at all times, but a small detour will be in place for pedestrians near the stormwater retention pond.

Work on these stormwater enhancements is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026. As part of QLDC’s Long Term Plan 2024-2034, further work is expected to divert stormwater flows away from Bullock Creek in future.

The tender for this work was awarded to Fulton Hogan for a value of $158,505.

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