A Caroline Springs lake that was drained as part of a police investigation into alleged interference with air traffic controls at Melbourne airports could take years to refill.
In early January, Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the SES drained Spring Lake as part of an investigation into a series of hoax calls to pilots and air traffic control staff between September and November last year.
Melbourne Water’s acting manager of waterways and land west Ben English said the “complex” task of refilling the lake had begun, but the process would mostly rely on rainwater harvested from Serpentine Lake, or “Lake Logan” after heavy rainfalls.
It’s estimated it will require about 20 mega-litres of water to return the lake to pre-January levels.
Melbourne Water is also in the process of making operational again an underwater bore used to originally fill the lake for use as a secondary water source.
“The first step of the management plan – storm water harvesting from the Serpentine Lake – is occurring any time there is a significant rain event,” Mr English said.
“The refill process will be undertaken over time in order to balance the water chemistry required to support plants and animals.”
One Lakeway Close resident, who did not want to be named, said the lake looked like a quarry.
“This is a family area with million-dollar homes,” she said. “All the ducks have gone and we’ve now got a tip in our front yard.”
Melbourne Water has acknowledged the impact draining the lake has had on the local community and has thanked residents for their patience while it is restored.
