By NICOLE WILLIAMS
WETLANDS are often a selling point for new estate, but one Officer estate is taking it to the extreme.
Residents are concerned that walking paths and boardwalks are unusable each time it rains and the wetlands of Aspect estate in Officer severely flood.
Lauren Carter moved into the estate two years ago and is disgusted by the regular flooding of the walking paths – advertised as a selling point for the estate.
“It is a lovely walking track but for three out of eight days of the week, you can’t use them. You can see how great it could be but it looks horrible,” she said.
“This flooding is very dangerous for children in the area and once the water recedes – which takes several days – the paths are completely covered in sludge and trees are fallen etc. which looks appalling.”
Residents have been proactive with letterbox drops and meetings and Mrs Carter said they were sick and tired of nothing being done.
Mrs Carter and other residents have approached Places Victoria on multiple occasions but nothing had been rectified.
“We want the wetlands area fixed – or at least confirmation of who is responsible and what the plan is,” Mrs Carter said.
“It’s obvious a design issue with the boardwalks completely submerged.”
Mrs Carter said she was also concerned for her resale value and how the area looked to visitors and potential buyers.
“If people are coming in to see this now, they are seeing horrible land and flooded wetlands – I wouldn’t be keen to buy in,” she said.
A Places Victoria spokesperson did not respond to questions posed by the Gazette but advised the solution may include removed lower level boardworks.
“Places Victoria is working with Melbourne Water, Cardinia Shire Council and its landscape contractor on a permanent solution to avoid future flooding which may involve additional landscape works and decommissioning the lower level boardwalks,” the spokesperson said.
“This would create additional habitat for native wildlife and prevent public access to flood-prone areas.”
Greg Bain, Melbourne Water Regional Delivery manager, said the area was naturally low lying, but Melbourne Water was working towards alleviating flooding.
“During periods of heavy rainfall, the drainage system is tested and unfortunately the area will be subject to flooding,” he said.
“We understand the Aspect estate wetlands provide a great amenity for the community, but they also play an important role capturing stormwater after heavy rain to prevent flooding to residents.”
For safety reasons, Melbourne Water advises people not to drive, walk or ride through floodwaters.
