Wednesday, 8 March 2023

Lake Wendouree lighting project

Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (18:14): (87) My adjournment matter is to the Minister for Environment and relates to the boring of holes in the ground surrounding Lake Wendouree in preparation for the lake lighting project, and I am so glad that you are in the chamber today, Minister.

Ingrid Stitt: Me too.

Joe McCRACKEN: I am glad you are glad too. The action that I seek is for the minister to visit on site with concerned locals and inspect the boring occurring for the 225 light poles so we can ensure that they comply with the relevant regulations, guidelines and conditions.

It is my understanding that due to Lake Wendouree being heritage listed only handheld boring tools are permitted to be used when digging holes in this sensitive area. The reason this is the case is to limit the damage to the root systems of a number of different trees that are around the lake – and they are very significant local trees too that have been there for a long time. These are protected under the tree protection plan as well. Believe it or not, I actually went for a walk around Lake Wendouree the other night, and I noted a number of machine-operated –

A member: Begonias.

Joe McCRACKEN: Begonias, yes. I noted a number of motor-operated machines, which had already been used to complete some of the boring works. The Ballarat community needs to know that Lake Wendouree trees will not be disturbed and that the works will not do anything to weaken or perhaps even cause the trees any harm. I encourage the minister to come along – and if you want to get on your joggers, I will come with you, and we can have a walk around the lake together and inspect them. We can go for a run if you like.