Today Rod asked Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, how it is that this proposal to fill in Lake Knox continues to progress without consideration for the greater good of the community and acknowledgement of reputable scientific assessments?

See question and video below: –

Mr BARTON (Eastern Metropolitan) (12:14): My question is to the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne. Development Victoria intends to fill in Lake Knox in Knoxfield to create a new blank canvas on which they can meet stormwater requirements for housing developments. Lake Knox supports a range of endangered flora and fauna, including the blue-billed duck that is listed as endangered in Victoria. This current proposal directly contradicts the interests of the community. There exists a petition to preserve Lake Knox with over 13 000 signatures, and another 132 individuals have contributed to a crowdfunding campaign to produce an independent environmental assessment. For too long we have seen community interest sidelined to benefit developers. This community asset is at stake. There needs to be a renewed focus on sensitive urban development.

So I ask the minister: how is it that the proposal to fill in Lake Knox continues to progress without consideration for the greater good of the community and acknowledgement of reputable scientific assessments?