Lake Knox protest: community holds rally on the streets

Passionate protesters have taken their fight to save a much-loved Knoxfield lake to the streets, holding a rally to vent their anger about its planned removal. WATCH THE VIDEO.

The community is stepping up its fight to save Lake Knox, with a public rally held in Knoxfield.

And more than 9000 people have now signed a petition calling for the lake, near the corner of Burwood Highway and Scoresby Rd Knoxfield, to be saved.

The lake is set to be decommissioned and turned into a wetland area under the State Government’s plans to develop the former Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP) site.

Friends of Lake Knox Sanctuary leader Mark Glazebrook said about 35 people attended the protest, carrying signs calling for the lake to be preserved.

Lake Knox protesters.

He said the group would also launch a crowd-funding campaign on Wednesday to raise $1000 to help its campaign to save the lake.

Mr Glazebrook said he had been invited to join Development Victoria’s wetlands working group but had concerns about the terms of the group, including that members weren’t allowed to talk to the media.

“Development Victoria have made it clear through its consultation the lake will be removed,” Mr Glazebrook said.

“We need clarification and if what has been stated is still the case, that Lake Knox will be removed and it’s not open for discussion, then I can’t be (part of the working group) because our group is committed to the retention of the lake, that’s what we’re about.”

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Development Victoria’s group head of property development Neil Anderson said it had reached out to interested community members to establish a Wetlands Working Group, as a way of working together on the project.

Mr Anderson said its vision for the group was to work together to develop a plan for a new wetland that could be used by the community and provide a habitat for wildlife.

He said Development Victoria never sought to stop members speaking to the media as representatives for their organisation or in a personal capacity.

Details: facebook.com/friendsoflakeknoxsanctuary