Dying lake’s pong

Jessica Benton
RESIDENTS and local politicians fear the “Leopold pong” emitting from Lake Connewarre could have a huge impact on the natural environment and residential development opportunities in the area.
Property owners, whose properties back onto Lake Connewarre have complained about the state of the lake for years. The residents say the lake has gradually deteriorated, having a major effect on the birdlife attracted to the area and the natural environment.
The lake, which borders Leopold, Wallington and Barwon Heads was added to the RAMSAR international protection agreement in 1983, when the State Government granted it was a reserve of international significance.
But, nearby resident and founder of the Lake Connewarre Restoration Working Committee Ron Scotland said efforts to protect and restore the wetlands area was going unseen by the State Government.
“The government is the responsible authority and they’re not doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” he said.
“We’ve been here for 40 years and the resident birdlife has virtually disappeared completely, you’d be lucky to see one or two birds these days.”
Mr Scotland said a number of scientific studies had been carried out on the area since 1855. He said the studies found unless the volume and velocity of tidal flow was increased, the lake would turn into a swamp.
Another affect of the deteriorating lake was the “Leopold pong”, caused by the shallowness of the lake and a build up of surface nutrients, Mr Scotland said.
He feared the “Leopold pong” could have a negative affect on residential development in Leopold.
“This surface growth extends from the north-east corner of the lake right along the western shoreline and with the wind and the sun dehydrating, you get the Leopold pong.
“ The pong is smelt right across Leopold and further afield.
“From a developer’s point of view and for the progress of Leopold, that pong is a minus factor.”
Local MP David Koch said three major studies had been carried out on the lake area, including a 2005 study, made possible by a $170,000 government grant.
Mr Koch pointed the finger at local MP Lisa Neville, who was also the chairperson for the Lake Connewarre restoration working group committee.
He said a draft report still had not been released with the findings.
“A grant was made available to the government agencies to assess the state of the lake yet we still haven’t seen a draft report.
“How long do we have to wait for this one when two previous reports also haven’t been acted upon.
“This is one of the most significant areas in the country for migratory birds and the investigations have been going on for 10 years and the government has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on investigations and not on the lake, its high time something was done.
“The reality is that the Bellarine Peninsula is becoming one of the most sought-after areas in Victoria and the lake needs to have its health restored to bring value to the area.”
Shadow Minister for Environment David Davis had written to Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett raising the Opposition’s concern about the restoration works, Mr Koch said.
Lisa Neville did not return the Independent’s calls for comment before the paper went to press.