By Mitchell Clarke
The residents of Fallingwater Estate in Pakenham have enlisted the voice of MP Brad Battin to help take action against the deteriorating condition of Kennedy Creek.
Heavily overgrown shrubs, large broken branches hanging from trees, dumped mattresses and rubbish strewn across the area is the current picture at present.
It’s also a contributing factor to the walkway behind the creek becoming a haven for youth to smoke bongs and drink alcohol, leaving residents fearful of the area.
The Member for Gembrook joined a group of residents on Saturday 24 August to call on Cardinia Shire Council and Melbourne Water to clean up their act and maintain the area.
“The current neglected condition that both have left Kennedy Creek is placing residents at risk, with some residents hesitant to walk along the walking tracks alone due to not knowing what or who could be in hiding in the overgrown shrubs,” Mr Battin said.
“The Fallingwater Estate is home to many young families who want to be active, but with council and Melbourne Water neglecting the creek, residents are unable to fully utilise their local waterway.”
Resident Cathy Mitchell brought the issue to Mr Battin’s attention and said there had been no maintenance of the creek since the estate’s inception.
“The area is so nice but unfortunately the water near the bridge is just filled with rubbish,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I tend to not walk alone at night because I just don’t feel safe down there anymore.”
It’s become so overgrown residents have reported an increase in snake sightings in the summer, with copperheads lurking in the area, causing safety concerns for people and their pets.
“People are complaining of a rodent problem and the ducks have gone from the creek because the water has become stagnant,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I think once it’s all cleaned up, it’ll prevent the rodent problem and it might bring the ducks back.”
But there’s confusion of who is responsible for carrying out the maintenance works.
“I’ve been emailing council and they’re saying Melbourne Water is responsible and Melbourne Water is saying council is responsible,” she said.
The Gazette contacted Melbourne Water who confirmed they were aware of resident concerns.
“Melbourne Water is currently responsible for maintaining the Kennedy Creek waterway near the estate,” manager of regional services (south-east) John Woodland said.
“This includes areas within the creek below the footpath. Other areas are currently maintained by council. Regular rubbish removal and weed control works are carried out by Melbourne Water and Cardinia Shire Council.
“Vegetation in the creek is native and provides filtration for stormwater, in order to protect the health of downstream waterways and our bays.”
Meanwhile, Cardinia Shire Council is being called on to implement lighting in the area to help residents feel safer as they walk through the area, with some residents reporting they don’t even feel safe during the day.
It’s also hoped bins can be introduced on site to deter people from dumping their rubbish.
Council was contacted for comment but were unable to provide a response within our deadline.“We’re calling on all people to do the right thing and keep our area clean so we can all enjoy it,” Ms Mitchell said.
“It’s such a nice area but unfortunately some people just don’t want to look after it.”
Melbourne Water has since confirmed they’re scheduled to attend the site in September.
