City's leaders applaud Lake Wendouree refill plan

BALLARAT'S community leaders have welcomed yesterday's decision to fast-track the refill of Lake Wendouree.Premier John Brumby yesterday announced the lake would be full by late next year, following a $1.3 million injection from the state government towards a new solution to pipe water from the Ballarat West Bore directly to the lake.Ballarat mayor Judy Verlin was delighted by the state government boost."I consider the lake the heart of Ballarat and I look forward to that heart beating again," Cr Verlin said."Many of the City of Ballarat's officers have never seen water in the lake ... I want to go back to dodging the swans and cygnets around the lake."She said with a full Lake Wendouree, Ballarat had an opportunity to again bid for major events, like rowing, yachting and fishing titles.Ballarat East MLA Geoff Howard said the announcement provided a renewed focus for the lake. "It will bring back family-friendly activities to the lake."Central Highlands Water chairman John Barnes said the announcement was "payment" for Ballarat's water-saving efforts. "Ballarat people have paid their dues with their water-saving efforts. It's time they reap the benefits."An emotional Ballarat Olympian Steve Moneghetti said Lake Wendouree was the soul of Ballarat.Moneghetti, who earlier this year described the dry lake as a joke, said he almost cried when Mr Brumby made yesterday's announcement."This news has really brightened my day. I don't like using marathon analogies, but today's significant announcement is like turning the half-way point of a marathon."Moneghetti, who was a supporter of the Fill Our Lake campaign, said the community push brought the dry lake issue to the surface. "It forced people to act together."Committee for Ballarat chairman Tony Chew said there were many benefits in an earlier refill for Lake Wendouree."It was a good decision that has economic benefits, like the return of the Head of the Lake rowing event," Mr Chew said.