Lake group simmers

A letter confirming a Parks Victoria desire to pursue discussions with trustees of a project fund has further angered a Natimuk Lake community group responsible for the use of the money.

Natimuk Lake Foreshore Committee chairperson Brenda Strudwick said the letter from Parks Victoria chair Jeff Floyd confirmed the agency was attempting to seize financial direction of the Otto Spehr Trust.

“It is just a blatant disregard for the original intent and direction of the trust,” she said.

Mr Floyd said in the letter that Parks Victoria was supportive of planned works to Natimuk Lake’s outlet weir, designed to help the lake retain water, ‘but does not currently have the funding to proceed’.

“Parks Victoria will continue to seek sources of funding, this may include the Otto Spehr Trust, only if this is approved by the Trustees, as funds disbursement from the Trust is entirely a matter for the Trustees,” he said. Ms Strudwick said Parks Victoria was simply trying to bypass the community foreshore community, the historical and legal directive group, for money disbursement via Trustees.

“Instead of asking us to provide financial help through the Trust, they are trying to take control as the ‘vehicle’ of the Trust money. It’s not right and certainly not reflective of Otto Spehr’s original direction,” she said.

“What’s happening is almost a type of blackmail. They’ve said they will build the weir but only if they have control of the money.

“We have money available to direct towards projects but we suggest Parks Victoria, a government agency that has been in control of the lake since 2003, seriously looks at accessing its own funds.

“Ultimately and importantly, they need to get on with the job of trying to get a sustainable water supply into the lake. We’re here to help.”