Questions loom about lakes at aged care home

QUESTIONS are circulating among locals who fear two man-made lakes at TLC Homestead Lakes Aged Care facility in Wallington will be filled in to make way for car parking.

Local Heidi 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, but was not sure about the timeline.

“I have lived in Wallington for over 30 years and have witnessed the destruction and removal of animal and bird habitat on the Bellarine at an alarming rate due to development.

“The home is named Homestead Lakes… it takes the name from these two on-site lakes which provide not only a lovely outlook for visitors and residents; they have been the home for heaps of waterfowl for nearly 20 years.

“I acknowledge not all of them are ‘special’ birds, but they are birds nonetheless and their welfare and protection is important.”

Ms Wane said she understood that the lakes were formed as sewerage treatment plants.

“Both will be filled in as an alternative septic system will be installed.

“This breaks my heart – all those birds who have called these safe havens their home, will be displaced after all these years of residence and there is an environmentally friendly solution that benefits the Homestead and the birds.

“Allow the roof run-off to flow into the lakes, and direct the sewerage off site as planned – simple.”

People driving past the homestead can clearly see huge mounds of dirt piled up beside the lakes, but it remains unanswered as to what they are intended for.

The artists’ impressions of the aged care facility’s extension which is highlighted on its website includes one lake.

Ocean Grove John Bowman said he visited a friend and his mother at Homestead, and the birdlife on the pond was a tranquil saving grace.

“With urban sprawl across the peninsula, hard surfaces and storm water flushed away down drains it is hard to have a drink never mind an aquatic feed,” Mr Bowman said.

“If they want to cram in a car park along with the extra residents, build a multi-storey one.”

City of Greater Geelong’s director of planning and development Gareth Smith said: “We are currently assessing landscaping plans for this development”.

TLC Homestead Lakes Aged Care facility and Ireland Brown Constructions had failed to return multiple requests for information by time of going to print.