3 March 2010
SURVEY HELPS PLOT WAY FORWARD FOR PATTERSON LAKES
Melbourne Water has committed to finding a sustainable way of managing blue-green algae in the Quiet Lakes, one of two key issues identified in a recent survey of residents.
The need to improve communications about how the area is being managed was another concern raised in the survey of residents around lakes Legana, Illawong and Carramar at Patterson Lakes.
The survey results showed, that respondents:
- wanted more open and consistent communication from Melbourne Water
- had a low satisfaction with the water quality in the lakes
- moderately satisfied with most of Melbourne Water’s maintenance services at the lakes
- had a general preference to pay either no extra contribution or a very low amount to increase access to swimmable water quality in the lakes.
General Manager of Waterways, Chris Chesterfield, said although blue-green algae in the Quiet Lakes didn’t contain toxins, Melbourne Water would work with residents to develop a financially sustainable way to manage the issue.
“Over the past decade we‘ve improved the overall environmental health of the lake, but we understand the frustrations over the long-standing blue-green algae issue.
“Blue-green algae levels can fluctuate in waterways and there is no easy, cheap way of getting rid of it. A long-term solution would be very expensive and the special precept rates paid by Quiet Lakes residents to manage the lakes would not be enough to cover it.
“We’re looking at several options to manage blue-green algae levels and we expect to present the community with some options by the middle of this year,” he added.
Mr Chesterfield said it was important to clarify Melbourne Water’s role.
“Under the service agreement we’re responsible for maintaining the Quiet Lakes to a standard that’s reasonably practicable within the funding provided by residents through the precept rates.
“We share the community’s desire to reduce algae levels, but there’s only so much that can be done within these funding constraints.”
He said residents had been assured the feedback had not fallen on deaf ears.
“We’ve listened to the residents and we’re acting quickly to make sure communication will be improved from now on.”
Improvements to communications will include:
- community bulletins, newsletters, web information, and improved notifications of works.
- helping the Patterson Lakes Advisory Committee to improve communication with residents through the PLAC newsletter and a new PLAC website.
Media Contact: Nicolas McGay, Melbourne Water - (03) 9235 2278; 0438 981 836