FRIENDS of Lake Wendouree Natural Environment met at the water\u2019s edge last week on the group\u2019s third anniversary, opposing hundreds of proposed State-funded lights along its pedestrian track.<\/p>\n
Wendouree Parade resident Gail Hirst said progress could \u201cdestroy\u201d the \u201cbeauty and wellbeing\u201d of the lake.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe expansive views to the water under this planning application will be segmented, dissected and compartmentalised by ugly poles,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSunrise and sunset will never be the same, the flora and fauna will be compromised, in some cases severely, and ironically, those who jog under the lights will not be able to enjoy the heritage of the environs because only the track will be visible.<\/p>\n
\u201cSurely, we have learnt from the manmade disaster of climate change that we should treat the earth gently, that more artificial intrusions into a wetland that has nurtured wonderful flora and fauna for hundreds of years will accelerate the incremental creep to a sterile landscape?\u201d<\/p>\n
The Field Naturalists\u2019 Club of Ballarat\u2019s Bill Elder is also a member of the advocacy group. He said the project could have \u201cdeleterious effects\u201d on wildlife and flora calling the lake home.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe damage that is likely to occur to established trees by placing electrical cables underground and through the root zone of trees will probably result in the loss of trees,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing about the proposal is logical, sensible, cost-effective, or environmentally friendly.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, opposition to the project was in no way unanimous, with other users of the space supportive of the plans.<\/p>\n
One of the six founders of advocacy group Supporters of the Lake Wendouree Lighting Project, Arthur Shaw has been lobbying for the lighting for years.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrustrated,\u201d he has found his endurance running difficult in the dark months of the year, and in poor daylight.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt became a safety and usability issue. There are claims that people can wear headlamps and torches, but they\u2019re dangerous and bright for people coming towards you who are shielding against the light,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany women with their dogs go walking and just don\u2019t feel safe doing that in the dark, so it\u2019s restrictive for them. More runners are on the cycling path on the road, causing a secondary safety issue in path of cyclists.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Shaw has seen the counter argument surrounding the natural environment\u2019s flora and fauna. He said usability of the lake has increased with Ballarat\u2019s population boom, and that \u201cwildlife will adjust.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe birds and wildlife have adapted to city living over decades, with noise and light pollution.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s being proposed is over the path, doesn\u2019t illuminate outwards to cause light pollution in the horizon, so it\u2019s a bit of a futile argument that wildlife will be impacted when traffic over the decades has increased tenfold,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The potential to run community events at darker times will increase \u201cwith the safety of lighting\u201d according to the Supporters of the Lake Wendouree Lighting.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the heart of Ballarat. By being illuminated in those limited hours, it supports winter tourism and can be used by those who want to go for a walk or run,\u201d Mr Shaw said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had the funds secured and sitting there through our lobbying. In the context of the 1800 people that did give feedback on this project, there was overwhelming support for this as a number one priority for the lake precinct.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose that have responded have voiced their opinion and have said, \u2018we want this project\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
If the lighting gets Heritage Victoria\u2019s approval, it will then go to City of Ballarat for their approval, before a tender process begins. Installation works could start in early-2022.<\/p>\n
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the project is worth $2.5 million.<\/p>\n
“Upgrading and lighting the Steve Moneghetti Track at Lake Wendouree is to improve safety and make the track accessible from before the sunrises to after the sun sets,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Lake Wendouree is used by many community members including our elite runners, committed joggers and those who opt for a light stroll.<\/p>\n
“By providing lighting and four outdoor gym installations, we are ensuring more people can access the lake for free fitness for longer. This is a great outcome for the community.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FRIENDS of Lake Wendouree Natural Environment met at the water\u2019s edge last week on the group\u2019s third anniversary, opposing hundreds of proposed State-funded lights along its pedestrian track. Wendouree Parade resident Gail Hirst said progress could \u201cdestroy\u201d the \u201cbeauty and wellbeing\u201d of the lake. \u201cThe expansive views to the water under this planning application will […]<\/p>\n