Darebin Council, Melbourne Water, Lisa Neville tackle lake pollution

An ambitious plan to restore the popular Edwardes Lake in Reservoir to its swimming, fishing and boating heyday is on the cards. But even supporters warn it could cost millions to see the water reserve returned to its former glory.

In its heyday fishing, boating and swimming were allowed in Edwardes Lake, until pollution put paid to the fun.

Swimming, sailing and other water sports could return to Edwardes Lake in a plan to restore the popular parkland to its former glory.

Edwardes Lake is a Reservoir icon but swimming has been banned there since 1939 because of pollution concerns.

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The council will ask Water Minister Lisa Neville and Melbourne Water for their support in funding a feasibility study to improve the water quality to a level suitable for recreation.

Darebin councillor Gaetano Greco said having the water reserve sitting unused was a “huge waste”.

Sailing events and a lifesaving club were both hosted at the historic boathouse. Picture: Darebin Libraries

“We’re treading water … we’re monitoring it, making sure it doesn’t become too toxic. At the moment you wouldn’t dare to dip your toe in,” he said.

The lake has been unavailable for water sports due to pollution in the lake and Edgars Creek catchment.

Swimming was banned in the 1930s due to ongoing pollution of the lake and nearby waterways. Picture: Supplied

It has been drained eight times in attempts to improve water quality.

Councillor Trent McCarthy said a regeneration project could cost millions of dollars.

“It was only a couple of years ago we had the fish deaths in Edwardes Lake which were the result of an industrial incident further upstream. It is a precarious situation,” he said.

Schools held fishing contests and swimming carnivals in Edwardes Lake before swimming was banned. Picture: Supplied

Melbourne Water team leader Andrew Mellor said they were actively engaged in programs to reduce levels of pollution in Edgar’s Creek up and downstream of the lake.

“We also support local groups like Friends of Edgars Creek, Friends of Merri Creek and Merri Creek Management Committee with funding and guidance to improve river health,” he said.

Lisa Neville was contacted for comment.

@richard.pearce