Land to stay private

HOPES that land between Cardinia Reservoir and Akoonah Park could be used as an additional fire escape route have been dashed.
Residents had pushed for the land to be opened up at a public meeting in Harkaway last month but the owners of the Cardinia pipe track land, Melbourne Water, said the land would remain closed.
But Berwick resident Ian Chisholm, formerly president of the now-defunct Berwick and District Community Action group, said Melbourne Water had initially agreed the land would be opened to the public for recreational purposes.
“We were told 20 years ago we would have public access.
“We used to use it for cross-country events, and in the early ’80s we were told it would become an equestrian trail or walking track. It looks like they changed their minds,” he said.
“With something that goes from Akoonah Park through to the reservoir, people could park their cars and go for a lovely wander.”
Melbourne Water spokesman Gavin Rainsford did not confirm or deny Melbourne Water’s initial promise but did say it was unlikely the pipe track north of Allan Street would ever be opened to the public.
“Parts of the pipe track run through a rural environment and are leased out to adjoining landowners, which would make it very difficult to open it up for public use,” he said.
“Melbourne Water hasn’t received any requests from emergency services, fire authorities or councils to use the track as an escape route.” – Jade Lawton