By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Residents have flooded Melbourne Water with complaints over a plan to drain the plentiful lake at Troups Creek West Wetland.
Shortly ahead of works, the water authority recently announced the plan to “reset” the retarding basin’s water level to improve filtration of stormwaters flowing into Port Phillip Bay.
Ray Darbritz says the plan could reduce a picturesque, bird-attracting lake in a 16-hectare reserve to a swamp.
The decade-old pond built at Drysdale Avenue, Narre Warren North, may shrink by about 60 per cent after the works, he said.
“In Melbourne Water’s eyes it’s been a failure as a wetland, but it’s been a great success as a park.”
Mr Darbritz feared the result may compare to a barren wetland built by Melbourne Water upstream that looked like the “arse-end of nowhere”.
“It’s a puddle,” he said.
Residents who frequently use the popular walking and jogging area have rallied to preserve the lake’s “natural beauty”.
They have organised a petition, lobbied Casey Council, state MPs and the State Ombudsman to put a brake on the works.
Mr Darbritz said the water authority failed to stick to its community policy by actively seeking public input into the project.
Neighbours who walk the reserve were first notified in late June, barely a month before works started. But that isn’t the same as consultation, Mr Darbritz argues.
“It is unfair and unreasonable to dramatically change the nature and look of a neighbourhood without first consulting the people affected.”
Melbourne Water argues that the works are necessary to create a fully functioning stormwater treatment wetland as it was designed in 2003.
In its current form, too much water had entered the wetland and wasn’t being released downstream.
“The area covered by water will not change and there will still be areas of open water,” Melbourne Water’s senior project manager Aaron Broadway said.
“There will simply be more aquatic plants to help filter stormwater.
“It’s a wonderful community asset, but it also has a job to do and these works ensure it can continue to protect our waterways for years to come, which benefits the environment and the whole community,” Mr Broadway said.
According to a Casey Council report, Melbourne Water has agreed to work with the council and residents on a concept plan, including seating, interpretive signage, path networks and planting locations.
“The works cannot be delayed as they have been tendered and a contractor has been appointed and is about to commence work,” the report stated.
Casey councillor Rosalie Crestani said she hoped a compromise could be reached between residents and Melbourne Water.
Works are expected to finish by January 2018.
