BY JARROD McALEESE
After two years of inconvenience in addition to safety and environmental concerns, residents of the Aspect Estate have demanded action over fencing that has blocked pathways along the lake on Mary Street and Bridge Road.
Officer local Brian Clarke said that the walkways among the lake and its wetlands have been flooding consistently since he moved into his home.
“The footpaths flood continually – every time we get 10-15 millilitres of rain it floods, it’s a dangerous situation,” Mr Clarke said.
The wetlands are scheduled to be extended by Melbourne Water in August and while Mr Clarke believes this “may relieve the flooding situation”, he feels a solution has come far too late.
“Two years is long enough. It’s been going on too long,” Mr Clarke said.
Citizens attempting to utilise the footpaths are forced to turn back or walk off the track as a result of the fencing.
And Mr Clarke said that forcing people to manoeuvre around the fencing by trekking through areas that are so susceptible to flooding is unsafe.
“Detouring brings you on to the wetlands which, during or after rain, present a hazard,” Mr Clarke said.
Birds that nest in the area are also being endangered by the persistent flooding.
“When it comes to nesting season, the eggs just get washed away when the area floods,” Mr Clarke said.
The lake is regularly stocked with fish and is a scenic spot for family walks and exercise, but Mr Clarke said residents are being robbed of the opportunity to properly enjoy the facilities.
“A lot of people fish here but you can’t easily access the area.
“Often parents come with their prams.
“You just can’t walk around and exercise,” Mr Clarke said.
The prolonged issue is unfair on citizens who have invested their faith and finances into purchasing homes in the area, according to Mr Clarke.
“When you go buy your block of land, you go visit the sales sector and they sell you this nice area, and then you can’t utilise it,” Mr Clarke said.
Cardinia Council was approached for comment and spokesperson Paul Dunlop provided the following statement.
“Council is currently looking into this matter and will provide a full response as soon as possible,” he said.
