Conservation Reserves.

Central to the environmental attribute of Karkarook Park are the conservation reserves.  

On the north shore of the lake is a fenced off area. This was initially to protect nesting birds from dogs, cats  and foxes.   Migratory birds would also rest and feed in the lakeside wetland and shallows of Karkarook Park.    With the demise of the water level in the lake, the fence does not now reach the waterline - walkers and mountain bikers have forced paths through what should be avian nesting and feeding grounds.

The issues of the fenced off reserve, informal tracks and low water levels are all connected and must be addressed together.

The receding Lake Shoreline to be Restored

With the recent announcement of $47.400 of funding to replace the bore pump (announced by the minister on 7th July 2023),  the future of the lake is now assured in the medium term.
Restoration of the shoreline will not happen overnight.  Engaging contractors is a lengthy process.   In theory, it will take about 150 Mega-liters to restore the shoreline. A maximum pumping rate of 0.24 Mega-liters per day and a limit of 60 Mega-liters per year (max) that means two and a half years.  Considering evaporation over that time, and advice that 60 Mega-liters was barely enough to maintain the lake, we're looking a much longer period of time.   


UPDATE February 2024.   Funding for the project was announced by the minister in July 2023.   We have just been advised that the Purchase Order has been approved! (8 Months later).
It will take 8 weeks for the new pump to be delivered.   Installation should take only a few days(?)






The lake shoreline as depicted on PV Web Site, and as originally designed. 

Actual shoreline seen on google earth Dec 2021  (receded more since then)

Put the two images together and you can see what is gone, particularly the north shore,

Water level 1 meter below design specification has destroyed lakeside wetland and drained the shallows - important nesting and feeding grounds for resident and migratory birds as well as a complete ecosystem  - increasingly rare and valuable in this dense suburban location.