Wallington lakes to be filled in next month, campaigner says

WALLINGTON resident Heidi Wane says time has nearly run out to stop two man-made lakes at TLC Homestead Lakes Aged Care facility in Wallington from being filled in.

Ms Wane, who has been leading the campaign for the past six months, said an on-site discussion had revealed the lakes would be destroyed in August.

“The two large bodies of water at TLC Aged Care facility in Wallington will definitely be destroyed in August despite pleas from locals to consider options,” Ms Wane said.

“Both lakes will be drained and filled in using accumulated onsite dirt.”

Ms Wane said many locals felt this was another example of excessive development on the Bellarine, which was devastating birds and wildlife as well as negatively contributing to climate change.

“Attempts to ascertain whether TLC Aged Care intends to rescue and rehouse wildlife humanely have not been successful,” she said.

Ms Wane said she “verbally confirmed” with construction company Ireland Brown Constructions earlier this year that the lakes would be filled in as part of the home’s $24 million extension.

“With the aged care extensions, the changed waste management systems mean these two large bodies of water are now deemed obsolete (the water is considered dirty) and will be drained and filled in during August,” she said.

“This aged care facility although on private land, is situated beside a major highway making it a very public site that is visited daily by many members of the public.

“TLC’s move to destroy the bodies of water, evicting birds from their home of nearly 20 years, endangering and possibly suffocating turtles and frogs and wildlife is seen by the public as horrific.”

Ms Wane said available environmentally friendly options of directing nearby roof runoff into the water bodies was ideal – this would flush and clean the waters – along with enhancement with pool safety fencing and landscaping.

She said developments with bodies of water have historically been considered extremely desirable and would continue to be a showcase for TLC.

“If parking space is needed, there is a decaying obsolete cafe onsite (The Purple Duck), which could be utilised rather than bulldozing a live environment.”

During the past six months, two on-site protests have drawn around 40 attendees, while an online petition has almost 1,500 signatures (chng.it/yKF8mN79dm).

TLC has also been contacted by Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville, The Animal Justice Party’s Andy Meddick, Jon Faine’s radio program, and community members, including aged care residents and carers, have written and posted letters, sent emails and made phone calls.