Friends of Lake Knox Sanctuary rally to protect it
PEOPLE living near a lake in Melbourne’s outer east are rallying to save it from development, calling on the council to make it a protected reserve.
Outer East
Don't miss out on the headlines from Outer East. Followed categories will be added to My News.
PEOPLE living near a Knoxfield lake are rallying to save it from development, calling on Knox Council to make it a protected reserve.
Dubbed “Lake Knox” by neighbours, it is next to the Blind Creek bike track in what the council considers to be a “strategic redevelopment site” on the corner of Burwood Highway and Scoresby Rd.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Should the lake become a sanctuary? Tell us below
The northern part of the site has been identified in the council’s draft Knox Central plan as being suitable for a “medium-density neighbourhood”.
Mark Glazebrook has started the Friends of Lake Knox Sanctuary group, and an online petition calling on the council and State Government to protect the lake and the immediate area around it by zoning it as a reserve.
“We are a group of local residents who want to stop development around the lake and instead propose a vision for it to be turned into an environment precinct similar to Blackburn Lake where beautiful species of birds, animals and plant life can thrive in a dedicated space,” the petition reads.
Dr Glazebrook said the site was owned by the Government and declared surplus to its needs. He said it was now being managed by Places Victoria, the Government’s property development agency.
Dr Glazebrook said the council was proposing a new road and medium-density housing right up to the lake. He said he didn’t oppose the housing plan but wanted the area around the lake saved.
Mayor Darren Pearce did not comment on whether the council would turn it into a sanctuary but said it was committed to retaining and enhancing the lake and significant vegetation.
He said councillors would consider the petition from residents when it was tabled at council.
Cr Pearce said the council had received a large number of submissions over the lake and its protection.
He said the mostly vacant site was owned by the State Government and zoned public use.
Charges for accused footy bottle thrower struck out
A footy fan accused of throwing a water bottle at a goal umpire during a match at Marvel Stadium has no case to answer, with all charges struck out.
How Swans secured ‘one of the better wins’
Harry Hoekstra, more known as a rising young quick, joined forces with No. 11 Jack Stevenson to lift Casey South Melbourne to an unlikely final-ball win.