Community consultation
Council received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the lake rectification proposal during the public consultation period between March and June 2023.
The feedback received through our online Engage page, as well as through our on-site pop-ups and consultation with the Friends of Peter Hopper Lake Group, can be summarised in the following themes:
Proposed infrastructure: The proposal to retrofit the lake with water-quality-improving infrastructure resonated well with the community. We have received ideas on these additional assets which the project delivery team will consider in the finalisation of the design. This includes an optimised location for the bioretention (raingarden) system to have less impact on the current park use, infrastructure features which are safe for wildlife, and perhaps the retention of the lake island infrastructure installations. A variation to the lake redesign will be published and shared with the community once available. More information on raingardens is available on Melbourne Water's website.
Site management: Given the substantial works required on the lake and the duration of the rehabilitation needing to allow for desilting, construction and re-establishment, residents have concerns about the traffic situation, noise levels and overall site accessibility during this time. Council has engaged a specialist consultant for the design of the lake's new infrastructure and is currently in the process of working through the site logistics and the impacts to visitors and local residents. Council will ensure that the impacts are communication to affected reserve users and neighbours, directly and through this website.
Wildlife: As part of the design phase, Council has engaged ecology experts who will inform the management of all species identified on-site before, during and after construction. A Wildlife Management Plan will be prepared for this purpose which will also inform about the adequate handling of pest species like the European carp and the management of the unsustainable population of white ibis on the island. We have further received a number of habitat creation ideas from the community of which a vast majority will find consideration in the final design of the works. Council will be exploring terrestrial, floating as well as underwater habitat, and their safe and successful implementation will be guided by specialist ecological advice.
Amenity: We have also received a large spectrum of ideas on how to improve and add to the aesthetics of the lake. In working through the detailed design, Council is currently exploring opportunities to utilise both existing and future infrastructure to provide for purposeful engagement with the lake that is safe for both animals and visitors. This will include viewing platforms and resting opportunities in appropriate locations, as well as small fountains that will add a playful feature while drawing in oxygen from the air which is a healthy addition to the lake. The strong landscaping expertise the design team brings to this project will ensure that the lake retains its beautiful natural look.
Safety: Safety in design, construction and future operations will be at the heart of the revitalisation of Peter Hopper Lake. Council will use the opportunity to overhaul the lake's educational signage and promote good visitor behaviour and discourage bad behaviour either through novel design or signage. With the lake acting predominantly as wildlife habitat, Council is committed to reinstating the asset to be a home for fauna and flora that visitors can engage with in a safe and respectful manner, and that all age groups will be able to enjoy.