Wetlands in no-man’s land as residents call for action

Residents of Shoalhaven Estate in Cowes are caught in no-man’s land, as the long-running saga to complete a promised wetlands continues.

As summer approaches, residents and neighbours of the estate are frustrated and angry the wetlands has failed to materialise after more than seven years.

Currently the wetlands resembles an abandoned building site, covered in weeds and rubbish, with temporary fencing falling down. Seagulls have also taken up residence, with hundreds of birds nesting and breeding in the area.

However both Bass Coast Shire Council and Melbourne Water say they are not responsible for the project.

The question of exactly who is responsible for ensuring the work is completed remains unanswered, while the residents’ frustrations grow.

A handwritten sign attached to the fence at the wetland site captured the sentiment. “If this looks like a tip site to you, please ring and email the Bass Council … 10 years!! Come on! It’s a joke!” the sign states.

“Can we try and get some answers and momentum to fix our “wetlands” that looks like a tip? It has been 10 years and still nothing,” said resident Cam Pedersen.

Leeanne and Tony Hochkins described the wetlands as “a tip with rubbish now being dumped there”.

“It is smelly, a perfect haven for snakes, mosquitoes and rats and a concern for children’s safety, as the fences are not secure.”

Bass Coast Shire Council’s CEO Ali Wastie said she could understand the community’s frustration with the delays.

“Unfortunately, this is not in Council’s control and we have no powers to request action. This is a Melbourne Water project and will become a Melbourne Water asset. Council has contacted the developer and request them to remove their rubbish, which they have agreed to do.”

However a spokesperson for Melbourne Water contradicted Ms Wastie, saying the wetlands was not its project.

“We will take it over once it has been completed,” they said, adding any concerns about the site should be directed to the council.

Melbourne Water confirmed it was notified by the council of birds nesting on the site on September 10.

They said the contractors working on the wetlands have advised they can’t resume work onsite until given permission by the council, due to the birds. “We are planning to inspect the site again, once work can recommence,” the spokesperson said.

Island Ward councillor Michael Whelan has previously been outspoken about the lack of progress on the wetlands and said the current situation is disappointing.

“Council has been in discussion with the developer who has agreed to clean up the site. Work is expected to recommence very soon and that should complete the landscaping and plant out of the wetlands,” Cr Whelan said.

“In the event that this does not occur I am comforted that Melbourne Water could step in and complete the works as they hold a substantial bond. I am disappointed that this has dragged on for so long and I urge the developers to respect those people who bought into this estate in good faith and get it done quickly.”

Melbourne Water does hold a bond from the Lauders Group for the wetland but when contacted by the Advertiser this week, would not comment on whether they could use the bond to complete the wetlands if necessary.

The issue of the wetlands was first raised at a council meeting seven years ago, but in the intervening time, both Council and Melbourne Water have proved unable to compel the developer to complete the project.

The developer, Lauders Group, was fined in 2019 for failing to secure the site and clean up the area, but despite this, the site is again unsecured and covered in rubbish and weeds.

History of inaction

Melbourne Water has previously advised Lauders Group was required to provide proper drainage facilities as a condition of their planning permit.

In October 2020, Melbourne Water requested an updated timeline for the project from the developer and encouraged them to resume work, weather permitting, as soon as possible.

“The developer has given Melbourne Water a letter of commitment that works will begin at the start of summer, at the latest, and that we will be provided with regular updates,” a spokesperson for Melbourne Water said.

In January 2021, Melbourne Water staff met with the developer and contractors on site to discuss the progress of the wetland.

“We plan to make another site inspection before the end of summer to check on what works have been undertaken. We have requested the developer provide a program of works for the wetlands as soon as possible.”

At the time, the spokesperson said, “the timeline for the completion of the subdivision and the wetlands is a matter for the developer”.

In January this year, council advised the developer had an approved design for the wetland and work had started.

“The first step is to treat the water in order to reduce the sediment flow into Westernport when the existing dam is emptied. This will occur within a week,” a council spokesperson said.

“The developer has advised all works will be completed by March 31, 2021.”

In February 2020, a similar promise to have the work completed was made.

Back then, the Lauders Group advised Council the project was “likely to be completed” that summer, with landscaping occurring in April 2020.

This did not happen.