PLANNED improvements to the Seaford Wetlands have been delayed by at least six months.
Frankston Council has deferred $1.3 million in funding for the Seaford Wetlands works from its 2022/2023 budget to its 2023/2024 budget. A report prepared by council officers for the mid-year budget review read that the works had been “delayed due to a planning matters is now being required to be addressed before proceeding with the works and resulting in no works proceeding until 2023/2024.”
Frankston mayor Nathan Conroy has confirmed that the Seaford Wetlands Bridge project has been affected. “Council has deferred works for the Seaford Wetlands Bridge project in consultation with key stakeholders as we address a range of planning and technical matters. Subject to satisfactory resolution of these matters, works will proceed in 2023/24,” he said. “Other components, including the ecological restoration project and signage and facilities upgrade of the whole Seaford Wetlands Rejuvenation Project, are progressing.
“Frankston City Council is delivering the Seaford Wetlands Rejuvenation Project in collaboration with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Kingston City Council, and Melbourne Water with a focus on improving ecological health, embedding Traditional Owner values, improving signage, walking and cycling access. Council is also working closely with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to ensure the area’s cultural values are embedded into park facilities and future management.”
$200,000 has been left in this year’s budget for Seaford Wetlands works.