By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Residents have cast doubts on environmental claims supporting a controversial roundabout over the gateway of the premium Berwick Springs estate, Narre Warren South.
According to a Casey Council report, the site of the roundabout at the corner of Greaves Road and Berwick Springs Promenade would have the “least potential impact” on habitat for the threatened dwarf galaxias fish in the nearby Hallam Valley Contour Drain.
It stated shifting the roundabout to the north – the opposing residents’ preferred option – would require wider bridges overshadowing the drain and would be unsuitable for the habitat of the fish.
Resident Michael Ball, who leads a residents group against the gateway’s destruction, said the developer Moremac Property Group’s commissioned survey in January found no dwarf galaxias in the drain.
“It’s disingenuous for Moremac to comment that environmental impacts are the real issue.
“In this (report) it appears these ecological constraints are fundamental, but they are not substantiated.”
The ecological survey by Aquatica Environmental stated that the timing of the survey may have been a factor in finding no fish “despite suitable habitat”.
At that time of year the adults – with a lifespan of 12 months- would be dying off and young ones dispersing, the survey stated.
There was a “single historical record” of seven fish found in submerged vegetation 200 metres upstream in 2007, with most sightings further upstream near Centre Road.
However, the report concluded it was “probable” there were fish upstream and there was a “high likelihood” they “may” disperse downstream to the Greaves Road site.
On 21 February, Casey councillors unanimously endorsed the proposed wider roundabout on the corner of Greaves Road and Berwick Springs Promenade, Narre Warren South.
Casey mayor Sam Aziz has stated the gateway’s bluestone wall and landscaping would be rebuilt further south.
