Council urged to be gentle with Ocean Grove’s unique wetland
THE City of Greater Geelong is reviewing community feedback to help shape a 10-year vision for protecting a muchloved Ocean Grove lake.
The feedback on Blue Waters Lake Reserve will be used to help inform a discussion paper before an updated draft master plan is developed to guide the management of the site for the next decade.
Community consultation, which closed on Sunday, attracted more than 30 responses. Public suggestions included fixing surrounding paths, and improve maintenance and signage.
However others have urged the council to “leave it as it is”.
Ocean Grove’s Alan and Anne Denham have lived beside the lake for the past seven years. Ms Denham said the pair liked the lake as it was, and suggested “gentle” upgrades such as improved signage.
“Most people (who) live on the lake say hands off,” Ms
Denham said. “We like it just the way it is.
“So much has changed in this town over the years — we’ve got to hold on to what is good and simple.”
The 7.4ha reserve between Blue Waters Drive and Cuthbertson Drive is a unique habitat wetland surrounded by houses and supports a mix of native and introduced vegetation and native bird species.
The area is popular for kayaking, dog walking, bird watching and picnics.
“In this busy life it gives us a place to watch the seasons, be still and connect to nature in a healthy way,” Ms Denham said.
The lake also plays an important role in the Ocean Grove drainage network, filtering pollutants and nutrients from stormwater before it makes its way into the Barwon River.
The refreshed master plan will update the existing version, which was developed in 2002.