Petition to save lakes attracts more than 1,400 signatures

ALMOST 1,450 people have now signed a petition to stop two man-made lakes at TLC Homestead Lakes Aged Care facility in Wallington from being filled in to make way for car parking.

Started earlier this year by local Heidi Wane, the petition states that “filling in these two lakes (which have been there for nearly 20 years) is disastrous for the welfare and safety of the waterfowl, turtles and frogs who will be homeless, some may die”.

“They are part of the larger wetland systems so are vital to the environment,” it states.

“Plus elderly residents of the facility and their visitors love the beautiful water views and the enjoyment of watching the antics of the ducks and their babies on a daily basis, so they want to keep the lakes too.”

While Ms Wane said she had “verbally confirmed” with construction company Ireland Brown Constructions that the lakes would be filled in as part of the home’s extension, she was not sure about the timeline.

For the past couple of months mounds of dirt have sat idle at the aged care facility while Ms Wane’s campaign has continued to gain momentum, with letters of support from Bellarine MP Lisa Neville, and Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick called on Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio in Parliament to urgently intervene.