By Stephen Linnell
ENVIRONMENTAL concerns have led Wyndham Council to reject a multi-million dollar 762-lot housing development at Manor Lakes.
The council opposed the planning application, citing potential loss of flora and fauna, including native vegetation and grasses. Zones residential, the area is located to the south of Lollypop Creek and north of Greens Rd.
Councillor Cynthia Manson said she was reluctant to approve such a plan until more detailed assessments of the environmental issues had been conducted.
“There’s a lot more work to be done,” Cr Manson said.
“We need to lock in some important local species. They need to be protected.
“We might need a corridor to make sure the local flora and fauna is protected for future generations.”
A flora and fauna report submitted to the council in December cited 40 hectares of native vegetation that would need to be removed to support the development.
The report said: “The site supports extensive areas of native grassland interspersed with some ad-hoc pasture improvements.”
As well, a number of mature River Red Gums grow alongside the billabongs of Lollypop Creek.
According to the council, the development failed to pass a number of key tests and “whilst the addition of 700 lots would provide a large housing stock for a fast growing estate, it should not be at the cost of significant native vegetation”.
According to a report to council, two existing Aboriginal sites are also recorded in the area. Aboriginal artefacts contained within one of the sites “is considered to be of high significance to the Wathaurong Aboriginal co-operative”.
Objections to the subdivision were received from the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Melbourne Water.
As the land backs on to Lollipop Creek, the plans failed to allow for appropriate setbacks. Water retardation plans – particularly in the event of a one in a 100-year flood – did not meet Melbourne Water’s requirements.
