By Callum Ludwig
A newly constructed fence in Reefton and McMahons Creek has created concerns for local residents.
The new fence was installed by Melbourne Water with separate fencing plots placed from the Upper Yarra Dam all the way to East Warburton.
McMahons Creek resident Alexander O’Toole said he just wanted to seek out public information on whether they’re allowed to enter where the new fencing is.
“The nearest public water asset is Warburton because there’s a standpipe there, and we can’t use the standpipe which is at the Reefton CFA which we have historically used via the CFA truck anymore, all you can do is get a permit and drive to Warburton to get water,” he said.
“I think I’m the only one who’s got a key and a permit but what I used to do years ago, I don’t do it now, is go draw water from the Yarra at the very start, which you are allowed to do if it’s a reasonable amount.”
The new fencing makes access to the Yarra River harder which provides a point to draw water. particularly in the event of drought, with lots of residential properties in the area reliant on their water tanks.
There is no signage that indicates to residents whether or not they can enter the land behind the new fence.
Mr O’Toole said he is worried about the potential impacts of drought or other emergencies.
“My mate was running out of water currently and he’s probably filled his tank now with all this rain we’ve had but we might not get much rain over summer,” he said.
“They’ve also blocked fire access tracks, so if there’s a big fire in the area, we’ve been confined to only a single road and now it’s one way in our our, can’t escape on the side roads anymore.”
The fencing has been installed as part of Melbourne Water’s Healthy Waterways plan, having consulted with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) about installing the fencing on Crown land.
Melbourne Water’s Manager of Water Resources and the Upper Yarra Waterways & Catchment Services for the South East Ross Bleazby said the fencing they have done is designed to protect the local landscape and their water assets.
“It is not designed to restrict or prevent people from enjoying the local area and access to the Yarra River. Public roads and tracks leading to the Yarra River are still open and unrestricted,” he said.
“For those who have water questions or concerns relating to their property, we recommend reaching out to the local water retailer, which in this case is Yarra Valley Water.”
The fencing is in 10 individual plots, rather than continuous fencing, in order to protect newly planted vegetation and help the plants be established in the environment.
The fencing is designed to allow people to walk freely through it as always while the local community, particularly those with existing water rights are still allowed to access the river.
Melbourne Water has also addressed concerns about unauthorised off-road driving in the area, by repairing damaged existing fencing in the Yarra-Silvan Conduit Reserve on their land to protect the pipelines that transfer water between the Upper Yarra Dam and Melbourne.
