By Danielle Kutchel and Mitchell Clarke
Plans to “destroy” one of Cardinia Shire’s greatest hidden gems have been met with rock solid opposition.
Once a key water asset for Melbourne, the now decommissioned Beaconsfield Reservoir has remained much as it was when it was taken offline in 1988.
But some say plans by the area’s water managers threaten to ruin part of what makes the reservoir so special.
Dating back to the early 1900s, the Beaconsfield Reservoir is an example of the available technology and engineering prowess of the era.
Beaconsfield Reservoir, dam and aqueduct were previously listed on the Victorian Heritage Inventory for historic and scientific significance, including the use of ’sustenance labour’ after the Great Depression.
The Gazette understands its removal from the Inventory in 2011 was not a reflection of its potential heritage significance, but rather that it did not meet the necessary criteria as its features were not archaeological in nature.
Central to the facility is the reservoir wall, a steep slope of compacted earth and rock that has stood strong since the dam’s construction.
Local residents like Harry Jensen and Andre Bokos, are desperately fighting to retain the dam in its current state – but Melbourne Water says the dam wall is unsafe, with the century-old structure not up to current dam safety guidelines, as set by Australian National Committee of Large Dams (ANCOLD).
Melbourne Water says the focus of their work at the reservoir is to improve the safety of those downstream in the event of potentially significant storms – where rain events could cause the reservoir to fill, spill and overtop.
Melbourne Water did not clarify their measurements for a significant storm, and Mr Jensen believes the risk is minor, accusing the organisation of seeking to override residents’ views on what should happen to the reservoir, which sits near his doorstep.
“Melbourne Water cannot just have the attitude that they are managers of the reservoir wall and therefore it is their choice as to what happens to it,“ he said.
“It is a public facility which they no longer own, but are responsible for maintenance and safety.”
Minister for Water Lisa Neville said the works were “necessary for safety reasons and will allow greater community use along with environmental benefits”.
“I’ve been assured Melbourne Water will undertake a thorough consultation process as they deliver this project – ensuring the best benefits for the local community,” she said.
Melbourne Water’s general manager asset management services Tim Wood said the community would continue to receive updates as works progress.
He said extensive consultation had been carried out since 2018 through Cardinia Shire Council and other stakeholders.
“Melbourne Water is committed to working collaboratively with council and residents to enhance the environmental aspects of the Beaconsfield Dam and surrounding reserve for all the community to enjoy,” he said.
But Mr Jensen claims the consultation process had been poor at best.
“That is typical of their disinformation procedure because they don’t want the local community to be aware of their plans in order to avoid confrontation and objection,” he said.
“It’s important to preserve the legacy of our history.”
Mr Jensen raised other concerns around the potential destruction of the dam in its current state.
He believes it could be used as an emergency water supply for firefighters in the event of bushfires in the area, and is concerned about the potential future water needs of residents in the south-east growth corridor that Beaconsfield Reservoir originally served.
A ‘Save the Beaconsfield Reservoir’ action group has been created, with members seeking last-minute assistance from Gembrook MP Brad Battin.
Works are due to commence in early 2022 with the aim of completion by early 2023.
It’s understood Melbourne Water aims to open the site to the public once complete, however its future use is yet to be decided on.
