City of Melton launches Melton Weir Parkland Strategy as residents complain of rubbish and burnt out cars

Burnt out cars and furniture litters a public recreation area in Melton, but it could soon get a facelift. Read what residents want.

Residents complaining of burnt out cars and dumped rubbish have labelled parts of the Melton Weir “disgraceful”, as council calls for community input to transform the parklands.

Melton City Council is requesting submissions to develop its Melton Weir Parkland Strategy, through which it is aiming to improve the natural area and attract more people to the weir and reservoir.

But the opening of community consultation has attracted dozens of comments on social media with residents drawing attention to the poor condition of the weir which better resembles a dumping ground littered with burnt out cars, rubbish and a lack of recreational options.

One resident pleaded with council to clean up the area and better monitor rubbish dumping.

Melton City Council has asked for resident input for their strategy to improve the parklands along the Melton Weir and Reservoir. Picture: Melton City Council.

“Last weekend I went for a fish, four burnt out cars and four areas (with) trailer load of rubbish dumped … even an old wooden boat,” he said.

“Put cameras near the gun club, it’s disgraceful.”

Another resident listed a number of suggestions to improve the space.

“Definitely a nice walking track, fishing, facilities for families and somewhere to launch kayak and or paddle boards etc,” she said.

Another said there was confusion over who was responsible for cleaning and maintaining the area.

“Snap Send Solve is crazy when you send in photos at the weir … Council says it’s the water company [that] needs to clean it and [the] water company says the council does,” she said.

A map outlining the subject area for the Melton Weir Parkland Strategy Picture: City of Melton

A Southern Rural Water spokeswoman said it was working with Council through the Melton Weir Development Committee to improve the area.

The water corporation is responsible for land underwater and two vertical meters of shoreline.

“We’re working to remove rubbish and abandoned vehicles on our land, when they are accessible and when the water level permits,” the spokeswoman said.

Council is seeking to identify existing and future opportunities regarding access to the Weir, recreational areas, linking open space with nearby residential areas and connecting more people to the water and parklands.

City of Melton Mayor, Cr Lara Carli said the masterplan would help make the Melton Weir Parklands a destination and provide more opportunities for people to enjoy the area.

“We know a park that is used and embraced by their local community helps to deter anti-social behaviour, such as illegal dumping,” Cr Carli said.

“Local residents have told us that they want better access to more public open space near their homes,” she said.

“This consultation is an important opportunity for residents to guide Council’s future investment decisions to help ensure people’s recreational and social needs are met.”

Community consultation opened late last month and will close on June 2.

There will also be an in-person community consultation on May 13 at the parkland on Marriott Boulevard.

The Melton Weir Parkland Strategy will then be presented to council in November.

Residents can have their say for the Melton Weir Parkland Strategy here.

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