Scullin MP Andrew Giles has promised $2 million for works to Peter Hopper Lake in Mill Park.
Local residents have raised their concerns about the lake after the poor water quality and the impact it’s had on the bird population.
The lake has been shut in the past due to high levels of algae and bacterial infestations in the water.
In a council meeting on Monday, May 16 Administrator Chris Eddy brought up the announcement after being present at Redleap Recreation Reserve in Mill Park, adjacent to Peter Hopper Lake alongside MP Andrew Giles when the news was delivered.
“It was great to see the passion of a small group of local people there who have worked tirelessly to kick this into focus, and in due course, we’ll be looking at the scope of that work and the timeframes. Overall, an exciting project for the community,” Mr Eddy said.
Friends of Peter Hopper Lake and Redleap Recreation Reserve is a group of Mill Park locals dedicated to voicing their concerns about the water conditions of the lake and the effect it’s having on the wildlife.
A local advocate, Karen North spent the better part of two and a half years pushing for something to be done about the “neglect” of the lake and was pleased with the funding announcement.
“A big shout out to Andrew Giles for listening,” Ms North said.
“Let’s hope and pray this comes to fruition as Peter Hopper Lake, our wildlife and community desperately needs it.”
Mr Giles said the lake was central to his electorate of Scullin and was a place of importance to locals.
“This is such a precious and important place- it needs to be protected for the wildlife, and the community.”
