By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A NEW roundabout plan has emerged that could save the landscaped, bluestone wall frontage at a prestigious Narre Warren South estate.
Melbourne Water has confirmed that it has been consulted by Casey council and developer Moremac Property Group about possibly moving a proposed widened roundabout further north at Greaves Road and Berwick Springs Promenade.
The move would avoid having to demolish the bluestone wall and landscaped entrance of the adjacent Berwick Springs estate.
Melbourne Water’s main concerns about changes to its plan are that flows in Hallam Valley Contour Drain are safely conveyed and flood levels are not increased.
The water authority’s preference is to keep the drain’s alignment, requiring developer Moremac Property Group to install culverts.
Berwick Springs residents were outraged by an original plan to shift the roundabout south which would have meant that the bluestone wall entrance to the estate would have to be demolished.
The roundabout, which was to be widened to two lanes, was part of Moremac’s plans to develop its Alira estate north of Greaves Road.
Residents’ spokesman Michael Ball, who organised an on-site meeting of scores of residents on 5 December, said more than 700 petitioners opposed the demolition.
Mr Ball said it sent a “huge message” that the issue wouldn’t be resolved until Casey listened to the residents.
“The community is very unified and no relocation of any shape or form will be supported by the community.
“When is Casey going to consult residents? Without that consultation they will not get support.”
Casey council had resolved to write to Moremac and the State Government to investigate a site for the roundabout which would not impact on the estate frontage.
It has assured residents that the estate entrance, if demolished, would be restored to its current glory.
Mayor Sam Aziz recently said the roundabout’s site was up to VicRoads and Melbourne Water.
VicRoads has also signalled it would not take part in the project without community support.
