Sheed calls for release of Greens Lake management plan

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed called on the Victorian Water Minister to release the management plan for Greens Lake.

In her adjournment debate in parliament yesterday, Ms Sheed asked Water Minister Lisa Neville to release the Future Use Management Plan for Greens Lake, which was requested by the Acting Water Minister Richard Wynne in April.

“Greens Lake has deteriorated in the past two years and continues to sit level at 20 per cent capacity,” Ms Sheed said.

“I recently visited the lake, and it appears the once-healthy environment is still in decline. The wetland area has reduced in size and there were only a few wetland waterbirds present.

“It will certainly not be the hive of activity it once was yet again this summer, and perhaps it will never again offer the simple recreational, community, and social values we once enjoyed, if action is not taken soon.

In her adjournment, Ms Sheed told Ms Neville that Greens Lake was the type of community space needed as the community emerges from the pandemic.

“It allows families and friends to socialise outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and exercise,” Ms Sheed said.

“In April this year Minister Wynne advised me that he had asked the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to develop a Future Use Management Plan for Greens Lake in conjunction with the local community, Traditional Owners, and relevant agencies.

“The plan aims to assess the environmental, cultural, and recreational values of the lake to determine the best long-term plan. It will address threats to these values and put the necessary mitigation and intervention measures in place.

“I have yet to see this plan and I know the users of the lake are also eager to see what the future holds for the lake that has played such an important part in their lives for generations.

“The lake requires additional water supply to facilitate recreational uses.”

*While Ms Sheed attended parliament in person, her adjournment debate was submitted in writing in-keeping with the Victorian Government’s COVID-safe guidelines.

ENDS

Media contact

Elaine Cooney 0447 820 466│elaine.cooney@parliament.vic.gov.au

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