Wendouree residents angry over placement of water tanks at aged home redevelopment

Fiona Ludbrook, who lives a few doors down from the site, said the two tanks should have been run by the centre’s neighbours. 

“People are just up in arms. They seem to think they’re temporary,” she said. 

“They were put in a few weeks ago and that was the first we knew about it, when they were there.” 

Ms Ludbrook said she recognised there would be a need for the tanks – to help with water pressure, she said – but thought there were other options to minimise the aesthetic issues. 

“Why wasn’t it put underground? In Melbourne (tanks like that) are put underground now,” she said. 

“At least put in a green screen.” 

The residence’s operator, Japara Healthcare, said there would be screens installed, but did not comment on the consultation process. 

“The company was following all legal processes and obtained all correct town planning permits,” development manager Sam Snaddon said. A screen will be put up to block the view of the tanks.” 

Ms Ludbrook said there could have been more consideration in the original plan.

“They could have put it on the Howitt Street side, where it is industrially zoned,” she said.