Major Works Set to Reshape Reservoir
Cardinia Reservoir will soon undergo a significant dam upgrade, however many locals say the cost feels too high. The project will clear up to 21 hectares of native bushland. Additionally, Reservoir Park will close for up to three years. As a result, nearby residents have voiced strong concerns about environmental loss and community disruption. Upper Beaconsfield resident Fabian Josef said neighbours felt blindsided by the scale of works.
“Three years of closure and more than 21 hectares of clearing was just casually dropped on us,” he said after receiving a letter from Melbourne Water. He explained earlier short-term closures gave no indication of a major upgrade. “In hindsight that was preparation, but there was no warning anything like this was coming,” he said.
Families Fear Loss of Natural Space
For Josef’s young family, the impact will be immediate. “Losing access to the park for such a long time is upsetting. This is our go-to walking track and kids playground,” he said. Beyond access, residents also fear permanent environmental change. “At the moment it is a beautiful natural area with limited infrastructure,” Mr Josef said. “They’re already talking about clearing significant native vegetation. It will never be the same.” Moreover, some neighbours claim Melbourne Water’s letter lacked detail about wildlife protection during construction.
Noise also remains a key concern.
“We have young kids, and one of us works from home most weekdays,” Mr Josef said. “If heavy machinery runs for three years, that will be extremely disruptive.” While he accepts infrastructure requires maintenance, he believes the scale feels excessive. “Some closure and noise I can tolerate. However, this length of time seems diabolical,” he said.
Previous Works Add to Frustration
Residents also recall earlier pipeline works linked to the desalination plant. “We were not informed at all, despite living only a few hundred metres away,” Mr Josef said. He said machinery often operated outside expected hours. “That was only a month. I cannot imagine three years,” he added. Consequently, trust between locals and the water authority appears strained.
Melbourne Water Defends Upgrade
Built in the early 1970s, Cardinia Reservoir remains one of Victoria’s most critical water assets. It supplies much of Melbourne’s south-east drinking water. Melbourne Water Executive General Manager Service and Asset Lifecycle Matt Daley said the upgrade protects future supply.
“Maintaining healthy, resilient reservoirs is vital to securing Melbourne’s water supply for generations,” Mr Daley said. He explained the works reflect evolving industry standards and population growth. The project includes raising sections of dam walls and upgrading filters.
In addition, crews will improve leakage monitoring systems and renew access tracks. Security fencing will also be upgraded, while park amenities will be enhanced. However, the construction footprint requires clearing up to 21 hectares of vegetation. Mr Daley said planners reduced the clearing area by almost half and avoided high ecological zones. “We work hard to avoid native vegetation removal wherever possible,” he said. Furthermore, Melbourne Water continues consulting with Parks Victoria, the Victorian Government and the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. The authority is also supporting an Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation assessment.
Timeline and Community Consultation
Construction will begin in 2027. During this period, Reservoir Park and surrounding access roads will close. Importantly, the reservoir will continue operating to ensure uninterrupted supply. Meanwhile, Melbourne Water has started doorknocking neighbouring homes.
Community consultation remains open until 26 April 2026.
Information sessions will run on 14 and 15 March from 10am to 2pm. Shopping centre pop-ups will also occur at Wellington Village, Emerald Woolworths and Narre Warren North Village Centre. Residents can provide feedback via Melbourne Water’s online consultation portal. As consultation continues, many locals say they will push for clearer guarantees on wildlife protection, noise controls and vegetation offsets.
