Troubled waters

By Casey Neill
THE BASIN residents are fighting to save their park following moves by Melbourne Water to restrict public access.
The Liverpool Road retarding basin is home to endangered and vulnerable plants and animals and is an overflow area for Dandenong Creek.
Locals have used the park for more than 40 years.
But Friends of Liverpool Road Retarding Basin president Karen Martin said Melbourne Water was now trying to take it away.
“It’s the only real park in The Basin,” she said.
Mrs Martin underwent brain surgery in August 2007.
“I’ve been using the park for my recovery sessions to get my balance back and get walking,” she said.
Melbourne Water removed a picnic shelter, tables, seats and a jetty in early December.
The authority has fenced off areas and placed two bridges on the chopping block.
The group has objected to plans to relocate the car park to a bend in Liverpool Road.
“It’s going to be very dangerous to get in and out of there,” Mrs Martin said.
The friends group plans to work with Melbourne Water, the State Government and Knox Council to reinstate the park’s amenities.
“But first we want to retain full access,” Mrs Martin said.
Melbourne Water spokesman Nicolas McGay said the authority started a plan in 2006 to balance flood protection, wildlife conservation and public use over the next 15 years.
The final report was completed in June last year.
It found dog access was impacting habitat and vegetation.
“The lake area is eroding due to wave actions and high levels of dog access in certain areas,” the report read.
Melbourne Water will fence areas of the lake to reduce dogs’ impact and talk to Knox Council about enforcing dog access restrictions.
The report found “further restriction of recreational access and use” may be necessary, but listed retaining existing recreational use as a high priority.
A key recommendation was to remove structures that did not meet Australian building standards, including the picnic shelter and fishing platform.
Mr McGay said car park relocation plans were subject to a traffic management investigation. “The current car park abuts an area that is home to a species of lizard that is classified as vulnerable,” he said.
Chandler Ward councillor John Mortimore last week requested a report for the March council meeting outlining the site’s issues and options for the council.
“It is an institution in that area of Knox,” he said. “We have to protect it. This is a great asset.”
Monbulk MP James Merlino has raised the “vital issue” with Water Minister Tim Holding.
“The park is an important community asset and I support the continuation of recreation opportunities,” he said.
Eastern Victoria MP Edward O’Donohue has also contacted Mr Holding and will raise the issue in Parliament next week.
“Parks that have been used for decades by local residents are an essential ingredient in the local community,” he said.
Mr O’Donohue described Melbourne Water’s actions as “backward” while governments were trying to increase physical activity levels.
He said dog owners in particular would be affected.
“I understand there may be environmental issues but surely a balance can be found,” he said.