Surf Coast Shire is putting its community first as council considers residents’ views and values regarding the surrounding environment.
Council received a petition titled Planned Wombat Crossing Construction – Loch Ard Drive Torquay during its July 22 meeting, which requested that the proposed removal of car park spaces not proceed.
The petition included signatures from 162 Surf Coast Shire community members opposing the proposed construction of a wombat crossing (an elongated speed hump with a pedestrian walk).
Councillor Liz Pattison said it was important to hear concerns from the residents who use the Loch Ard Drive area.
“The park where this wombat crossing is proposed and what the petition is about is a real important asset for the community as it is used a lot,” she said.
“It will be really interesting to understand officers’ perspectives when we investigate this petition, and I thank the community for putting forward their concerns.”
Council also resolved to make a submission to Southern Rural Water (SRW) to express concerns about Alcoa Australia’s application to amend its existing groundwater extraction licence at Anglesea.
The submission will reaffirm that council does not support extractions unless proven not to harm the Anglesea River and its catchment.
Mayor Mike Bodsworth said council wanted to ensure that environmental decisions mad now did not “jeopardise the long-term health of the river”.
“Local people and visitors love the Anglesea River and value the environmental, social and economic benefits it provides,” he said.
“We strongly encourage SRW to engage with the Traditional Owners of this land, who have cared for Country and waterways for millennia.
“We have listened to the community’s concerns about the condition of the Anglesea River and the risk that ongoing extraction of groundwater will impact river health.”
The submission will also raise concerns about the possible links between Alcoa’s past groundwater extraction from the Upper Eastern View Aquifer and the risks associated with further pumps from this source.
