Thanks for your participation in Stage Two

Thank you to everyone who participated in both stages of the freshwater lake consultation over the recent months. We reached over 5,868 people and had 419 direct engagements with the community, including 368 survey responses.

Below is a summary of who we heard from and what you told us.

A report has been prepared for the Council, to be presented at its meeting of 10 October 2022,'Freshwater Lake Review - Options Consultation - Stage Two Community Engagement Report'. The full report on the community engagement results will be included as Appendix 1 (refer Item 6.88, Page 12).

Following conclusion of the Local Government Elections, a further report seeking endorsement of a preferred lake management option to proceed into development of a detailed design and investigation is expected to be presented to Council at its meeting of 12 December 2022.

Who did we hear from in Stage Two?

We heard from local residents with strong connections to Freshwater Lake.

What did we hear in Stage Two?

Our community has a high level of interest and positive regard for Freshwater Lake and Freshwater Lake Reserve.

The Freshwater Lake considerations most important to survey respondents (74%+) included:

  • Improved water quality.
  • Improved water circulation.
  • Water conservation.
  • Less frequency for sludge removal.
  • Enhanced biodiversity.
  • Open water views.

Survey respondents were asked to indicate their level of support for each of the presented lake management options; Option 1 - Existing Management, Option 2A (Offline Treatment) and Option 2B (In-line Treatment). A high number of the 368 respondents placed their support with Option 2A, with 203 respondents indicating “strong support” and a further 79 indicating “support”, resulting in a total of 282 respondents supporting Option 2A.

Respondents were also asked to indicate their preference for each of the lake management options, with 1 being a high, 2 being medium and 3 being low preference. A total of 217 respondents ranked Option 2A as their first preference, higher than the other two options. A total of 128 respondents placed their preference with Option 2B, with Option 1 being the first preference for 18 respondents.

Overall, there is strong community support for Option 2A for reasons that include:

  • Support the concept of linking with the Waterproofing the West network.
  • Maintains open water lake views.
  • It is practical and sensible given cost and outcomes.
  • Sludge removal frequency is minimised, leading to less upkeep, less disturbance to infrastructure, wildlife, and residents.