Latest News
Bark worse than bike
James Dowling
27Nov07
Mayor Phillip Healey at Kew Billabong with his dog Casber.
DOGS - not bikes - are the biggest threat to the ecologically significant Kew Billabong, an environmental expert says.
Dr Graeme Lorimer's report, commissioned by Boroondara Council, on the ecological impact of the proposed bridge and path through Willsmere Park, found the only threat would be if more dogs used the park.
The battle between present park users, many of whom are dog walkers, and cyclists who want a safer route from Alphington to Kew, has raged since the path was first proposed 10 years ago.
Parks Victoria lodged a planning permit in August for the 2km path plus bridge linking the Darebin Creek and Main Yarra trails with Boroondara, Banyule and Yarra councils.
Parks Victoria planning manager Richard O'Byrne said Dr Lorimer's latest report justified the proposed route.
``We have looked for the spot where we have the absolute least impact,'' Mr O'Byrne said. ``We feel it vindicates what we have been saying for some time.''
Dr Lorimer said cyclists were quiet and animals did not see them as a threat, but dogs threatened migratory birds at the billabong, which is in an off-lead area.
The only other ecological risk identified was the removal of a native ``tree violet''.
Boroondara Mayor Phillip Healey said the path could still be opposed on environmental grounds. Rogue cyclists not using the path may erode sensitive areas, he said.
Cr Healey defended his decision to walk his dog Casber near the billabong.
He said uncontrolled animals were a problem, while he walked Casber on-lead.
Friends of Willsmere Park president Tony Michael said the report looked at only the environmental impact and not at the loss of ambience. He said the report changed little and Parks Victoria should look for an alternate route.
Boroondara Bicycle User Group spokeswoman Julia Blunden said in light of the report there was no way the path could be opposed on environmental grounds.
``This gives opponents to the path little joy,'' Ms Blunden said.
To see the report go to www.boroondara.vic.gov.au
