The eight waterlogged trees are at least 150 years old and could live for another 150 years.
The area where the tree are was flooded by developer Delphin Lend Lease to make decorative ponds from Lollypop Creek when Wyndham Green estate was developed about eight years ago.
But residents say an urgently needed rescue plan has been dragged out.
Brian Young, member of the Wyndham Green Ratepayers Association, said the trees were already showing signs of deterioration and might not recover.
“Things have stalled and nobody seems committed to this,” he said.
More than 200 residents told the council at a public meeting more than a year ago they would rather save the trees than keep the ponds.
Wyndham council CEO Ian Robins said the council had allowed $132,000 in this budget and $60,000 in last year’s budget to reduce the level of some ponds by nearly a metre.
He said he expected the project to start by Christmas and take about 12 weeks to complete.
Mr Robins said the council was waiting for confirmation about Delphin’s commitment to the project.
But a Delphin spokesman said it had proposed a solution that was accepted by the council two years ago.
John Forrester of the Werribee waterways management committee said he was disappointed by the long inaction.
“No matter how soon these flooded gums are treated to rescue them from the very inappropriate way this creek has been developed, a number of organisations need to consider how their lack of coordinated efforts have contributed to the demise of these gum trees,” he said.
Mr Forrester said each tree was valued at least $30,000 and added tremendously to the value of homes in the area.
Four trees would likely not recover, even if pumping started immediately, he said.
Wyndham Green resident Elaine MacMillan said locals have lobbied for the project for several years and expected action long ago.
“It’s irresponsible and disappointing,” she said.
“These trees are part of the history of this place. They don’t belong to us or the council, we’re only the custodians.”
