| Lake crusader keeps fighting |
| By Anthony Radford
Kay wants long term protection for Weeroona
THE woman who led the campaign against extending Bendigo’s tourist tram around Lake Weeroona has urged further action to protect the popular tourist and recreation spot.
Kay Dewar headed the No Tram Around the Lake Action Group, took the City of Greater Bendigo council and state government on, and won.
A recent auditor general report found her concerns over the management of the project and its effects on the lake were warranted.
Mrs Dewar said the next step was to ensure the lake was protected long term.
“Council is turning the lake into a commercial venue, rather than a recreation reserve,” she said.
“We don’t want it turned into a money-making venue.
“There are plenty of venues around Bendigo that are suitable for that.
“The lake is a place of relaxation and there are not many places around Bendigo for that.”
Mrs Dewar said the lake’s significance needed to be protected.
“The lake has been neglected as far as the grounds are concerned,” she said.
“They can pump water onto sporting facilities, but Lake Weeroona is just as important and needs the same amount of care.
“They need to put more water on it than they are now.”
Mrs Dewar called for a committee of management to be set up for the lake.
“If should be run by the people. There should be a group of everyday, ordinary people running it,” she said.
“We need a management group made up of people from the rowing club, wildlife people and general
users of the lake.
“Why haven’t we got a friends group at Lake Weeroona like there is at the Botanic Gardens?”
Mayor David Jones said there was already a Lake Weeroona advisory group.
“The Friends of Bendigo Gardens are a Section 86 advisory committee and operate under a deed of delegation,” he said.
“Powers and functions include providing recommendations to the council on matters pertaining to Rosalind Park, Lake Weeroona, White Hills Botanic Gardens and Bendigo Creek Linear Park.
“Secondly, in regard to the amount of use, the drought has forced events such as the Carols by Candlelight to be transferred from Rosalind Park to Lake Weeroona.
“The carols will return to Rosalind Park next year and this will lessen the demand.
“We also have a range of other venues that are now accessible and these will add to the diversity of options for other events.
“Lake Weeroona is enjoyed by a range of users and is one of Bendigo’s
favourite spots, while council is monitoring the situation it would be loathe to exclude any uses out of hand.”
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