By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The State Ombudsman’s office has refused to intervene on residents’ complaints about the draining of Troups Creek West wetlands in Narre Warren.
Resident Ray Darbritz had called on the Ombudsman to investigate the lack of public consultation prior to Melbourne Water undertaking the works.
He says the project had transformed the bird-attracting lake into a wetlands “swamp”.
Melbourne Water describes the project as “resetting” the water level to improve the filtration of stormwater into Port Phillip.
Mr Darbritz says the first he’d heard of the project was a letter-drop in June to notify him of the project’s imminent start.
“It is worth noting that there were a significant number of local residents who signed a petition opposing these works as soon as they became aware of them,” he said.
“And that none, not one, had been consulted prior.
“Therefore no specific form of consultation process was done at all.”
Melbourne Water only met with residents after the petition – and after the works had been contracted, Mr Darbritz said.
The Ombudsman investigator said in a letter to Mr Darbritz that the wetlands consultation consisted of customer surveys, submissions, a panel and university study for a 2015 Melbourne Water waterways plan.
The level of public consultation “though targeted on more than the wetlands and basin” was “in line” with Melbourne Water’s community policy, he stated.
There was no “administrative error” in Melbourne Water’s decision to go ahead with the works or its consultation, he stated.
“I appreciate that you may be disappointed by my assessment, however I do not consider further action by us will produce a different result.”
Melbourne Water stated its consultation found the community wanted the upgrade of 50 per cent of its underperforming wetlands, including Troups Creek West.
It also states that prior to the works, it delivered project bulletins, door knocked residents, installed project signage, created a webpage and a 1800 number for the project.
Its project manager Jason Brown said the size and shape of the wetland had not changed.
“The Troups Creek West wetland has been prioritised for upgrade works to reduce nitrogen levels entering our waterways further downstream. It’s critical the wetland performs this core function.
“We appreciate the community values this site and we believe it will continue to provide benefits for local residents after the works are completed.”
