We, the undersigned residents of Laurimar and surrounding areas petition the Whittlesea City Council to stop construction of an ‘Ephemeral Wetland’ replacing the current lake at Laurie’s Field.

The residents strongly object to the Draft Master Plan proposal to drain Laurie’s Field Lake and replace it with a constructed ephemeral wetland. The residents strongly rejected this proposal at the Community Engagement Meeting held on 21/8/2025.

During summer the stagnant water will cause an increase in mosquito breeding. The toxic elements draining into the lake will be exposed and when dry will be able to be blown around by the wind and breathed in by park users and nearby residents. The new park amenities proposed will seldom be used as the ephemeral wetland will create an unpleasant, high risk environment; eg. Who wants to have a barbecue 25 meters away from a mosquito infested mud hole? 

The Council’s engagement process has been inadequate. Changes to project objectives were made midway without transparent communication. Assertions about water quality and safety have not been substantiated with empirical evidence.

We therefore call upon Whittlesea City Council to withdraw the ephemeral wetland proposal and retain Laurie’s Field Lake as a permanent water body within the Master Plan.