By Parker McKenzie
Development Victoria has shared a draft plan for the construction of controversial new wetlands set to replace the habitat for a vulnerable species of duck, which will be available for community feedback.
The plans detail the five-stage plan to replace the artificial dam at the “Lake Knox” site over a period of three to four years.
Development Victoria said their ecologists will monitor the works to safeguard existing wildlife and habitat and the planned staged construction will mean the current dam will exist until the new wetlands are completed.
Development Victoria’s Group head of Property Development Penny Frost said the Victorian Government’s development arm has committed to constructing the wetlands in a staged manner and providing access to the water body for wildlife currently using the existing dam as habitat.
“Ecological monitoring will take place throughout the staged construction process and once the new
wetlands has been constructed.” she said.
Development Victoria said the first stage will consist of constructing and establishing a new wetland and drainage connected to Blind Creek, followed by at least 12 months of ecological monitoring to assess the progress of the establishment of the habitat.
The development of the site has proved controversial with community and conservation groups, with the discovery of several hatchings of the vulnerable blue-billed ducks.
While Development Victoria argues the new wetlands being constructed will result in better environmental outcomes for the species, opposition to the plans have raised concerns over the ability to produce the promised results.
A community-funded report by Professor Paul Boon stated several issues with the plans, including that claims of guaranteed ecological success “are inconsistent with scientific literature,” “doubts over Development Victoria’s capacity to deliver high-quality replacement aquatic habitat,” and the plan containing questionable assertions about Lake Knox and its development.
On 4 March, Ferntree Gully MP Nick Wakeling said he hoped the Victorian State Government would follow the opposition’s lead on saving Lake Knox from development.
“We’ve already announced that we work with the community to save it, form an advisory committee and work through those issues today.” he said.
Mr Wakeling detailed a three-point plan to save Lake Knox in late March, which consisted of “saving lake Knox from being bulldozed,” establishing an advisory group including local representation on the future of the site and considering designating Lake Knox as a sanctuary, as campaigned for by local residents.
Community feedback on the draft plan can be given at www.development.vic.gov.au/projects/knoxfield?page=overview
