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Community facilities | October 28, 2022

Natimuk weir project to finally go ahead under Liberals and Nationals

A long battle to complete a weir at Natimuk Lake will come to an end if the Liberals and Nationals are elected to government in November, with Member for Lowan Emma Kealy pledging $120,000 to complete the project.

In 2016, the Natimuk Lake Foreshore Committee started work under permit to construct a weir to help secure and conserve water for the lake and enable regulation of water flows, however the works were stopped by Parks Victoria.

Years later, after strong advocacy by the local community and lake committee, Parks finally agreed to build the weir, but the project has remained at a standstill since.

Ms Kealy, who is also Deputy Leader of the Nationals, has made multiple representations to the Premier and the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change over many years calling for the project to be completed, but the government has failed to respond.

“I have repeatedly urged the government to work constructively and openly with the lake committee to ensure the weir is completed, including raising the matter in Parliament numerous times, but instead the community continues to be ignored and left in limbo,” she said.

“Natimuk Lake is a premier recreation destination for locals and tourists alike, and the lake committee has worked for more than 30 years to improve the visitor experience and ensure the lake can cater for large numbers of people.

“The committee has built amenities, pontoons, boat ramps and a caretaker’s residence, all accomplished through a combination of monies left to the committee in trust, small grants, and an enormous amount of labour by committee members and the wider community.

“They have worked tirelessly for the lake and done more than their fair share. The government has had two terms to step up and support them to complete the weir project, but instead of showing the committee the respect they deserve, the government has done nothing but sit on its hands.

“Only the Liberals and Nationals will ensure that this vital project for Natimuk is completed.”