By Parker McKenzie
Knox City Council has confirmed it received over 580 objections to two planning permits regarding a multi-stage development of a man-made dam known to locals as Lake Knox.
The permits are for the two-stage subdivisions and the construction of wetlands set to replace an artificial lake and dam created in the late 1950s or early 1960s on the corner of Burwood Highway and Scoresby Road in Knoxfield. The site was formerly the Knoxfield Horticultural Research Facility, where the dam is believed to have been used to irrigate research crops.
Several hatchings of the vulnerable blue-billed ducks have been found at the dam, causing members of the local community to oppose Development Victoria’s plan to build a housing estate and artificial wetlands at the site.
President of the First Friends of Dandenong Creek Anthony Bigelow said a staff member at Knox City Council confirmed to him the objections were the most ever received by the council regarding a development.
“To have an overwhelming response is incredibly heartening. It goes to what we’re all trying to do here, which is to show to the wider community what’s going on,” he said.
“This is now a five-year campaign and we’ve gone for the really structured approach with this.”
Knox City Council said in a statement it has not yet determined its position on the two planning applications from Development Victoria.
“As of 25 August 2022, Council has received 585 objections to application P/2021/6169, and 586 objections to application P/2021/6170,” the council said.
“Council does not keep statistics on what applications attract the most objections.”
A consultation meeting with pre-registered objectors is scheduled for 1 September and a decision on the application will be considered “in the future at a later date to be determined.”
The proposed redevelopment of the site consists of plans to subdivide the site, remove vegetation to create 105 lots, build a wetland with cycling and walking tracks, open space areas and a bird lookout, and remove the dam currently undergoing structural repairs.
A spokesperson for Development Victoria said “the Knoxfield site will bring significant opportunities and benefits to the local community.”
“We are continuing to work with locals and key stakeholders including Knox City Council to ensure the new neighbourhood and wetlands meets the needs of the community and local environment.” the spokesperson said.
