By Parker McKenzie
Development Victoria has begun the second stage of repairs and maintenance work to the ‘Lake Knox’ dam, consisting of repairs to a concrete spillway, excavation of soil and the removal of weeds.
Located at 609-621 Burwood Highway Knoxfield, the area was formally the Knoxfield Horticultural Research institute. It is believed the man-made dam, dubbed Lake Knox by locals who want to see it conserved, was created to store water for irrigation research crops in the late 1950s or early 1960s.
The development of the site has proven controversial within the community because of the discovery of several hatchings of the vulnerable blue-billed duck.
“We understand there are concerns regarding impacts to blue-billed ducks on the existing dam,” Development Victoria said in a works notice.
“Works have been carefully planned in accordance with statutory regulations. Our ecologist will monitor the behavior of wildlife while works are underway and will halt works if deemed necessary.”
Knox City Council received three planning permits for the subdivision and construction of the wetlands in June 2022. Two are currently under review, while the third was issued a permit for site access, associated works and vegetation removal.
Each of the two permits under review — one for a two stage subdivision and the other for wetlands utility installation — received over 500 objections during the public notification stage.
Knox City Council said objectors are invited to attend future Planning Consultative Committee meetings, which will be followed by a review of all feedback received to be presented in a report to the council.
Development Victoria said the works to repair the existing dam for the short term will commence in the coming weeks and were needed because an inspection in late 2021 showed the spillway at the dam had deteriorated, revealing cracks and leaks.
“These works will include demolishing and repairing the concrete spillway and excavating unstable soil. Weeds and invasive plants will be removed to improve water flow into nearby Blind Creek,” Development Victoria said.
“These works must take place to reduce any safety risks to the community, including possible flooding.”
Development Victoria has previously stated the dam is unsafe and the new wetlands being constructed on the site will be create better environmental outcomes for the blue-billed ducks, however, opposition to the plans have raised concerns over the ability to produce the results promised.
A report by Professor Paul Boon, funded by community opposition to the development, stated several issues with the plans including that the claims of guaranteed ecological success are “inconsistent with scientific literature” and “doubts over Development Victoria’s capacity to deliver high-quality replacement aquatic habitat.”
In June, Knox City Council Mayor Susan Laukens said the council knew the community wants them to advocate for the conservation of the dam and the ducks.
“There is significant community interest in this proposed redevelopment, and a real concern for some people in the community is the presence of blue billed ducks, and whether the wetland will be suitable for them, what happens to them during construction and their wellbeing once the dam is removed,” she said.
“We have very strict rules that apply to how we make planning decisions. If we don’t follow those rules our decision and any opportunity we have to influence a development application can be called into question and thrown out by VCAT or the Minister.”
