1997
Berwick Springs Officially Opened
Berwick Springs was officially opened by Robert Maclellan, Minister for Planning and Local Government on 14th November 1997. The developers and Watsons Pty Ltd were responsible for turning the existing springs into Berwick Springs Lake.
2000
Berwick Springs Residents & Owners Association
Berwick Springs Residents & Owners Association (BSROA) was incorporated on 10th October 2000 to protect and improve Berwick Springs Lake and surrounds. Its first President was Tim Walkerden who worked tirelessly to represent the community to the City of Casey, Melbourne Water and the three developers.
2002
Improving the Environment
Whilst BSROA represented the community to the multiple stakeholders responsible for the upkeep of Berwick Springs its members also helped to improve the environment by replacing plants and trees, clearing litter and introducing bird nesting boxes.
2002-2004
Residents Maintain Infrastructure
In 2003, with The City of Casey and Melbourne Water refusing to maintain the infrastructure in Berwick Springs Park, the community was left to provide repairs and maintenance to keep residents safe and the estate neat and tidy. Pavers were cemented pack in place, blackberry bushes removed and trees pruned.
2000 – Onwards
Regular Rubbish Clean Ups
Litter was a constant problem, in the parklands and in the Lake. The latter caused by an influx through the stormwater drains from the Cypress Hills Estate. BSROA President, Tim Walkerden, and committee member, Gary Hall, took a canoe to the lake to remove rubbish. After constant lobbying Melbourne Water eventually agreed to improving the drainage system in June 2004.
2003
Christmas Part
Yet, not all was doom and gloom! BSROA organized the highly successful 2003 Christmas Party that include a visit from Santa Claus on a fire engine. The first of many.
2004
Lake Erosion
Erosion of the lake shore near Louise Baille Avenue was becoming a serious issue and not one the community could easily repair. It would take the constant lobbying of Melbourne Water to fix the problem.
2004
Berwick Springs Officially Opened
In February 2004 BSROA president Tim Walkerden and committee members met with state and federal MP’s Dale Wilson and Anthony Byrne to present the issues facing residents.
BSROA created an 11 point wishlist.
2004-2007
Footy & Cricket Ovals
Berwick Springs Residents & Owners Association was incorporated on the 10th October 2000 to represent the community in dealings with the City of Casey, Melbourne Water and the developer to ensure the parks and Berwick Springs Lake were being maintained.
2003 – Onwards
Berwick Springs Lake Fountain
When the last developer, Stockland, exited in 2005 residents have lobbied The City of Casey, successfully, for the repair and maintenance of the fountain
2016-2018
Save Berwick Springs Promenade Entrance
In late 2016 the City of Casey announced significant changes to the entrance to Berwick Springs, which included taking land, and demolishing the tree-lined entrance. The community rose to the occasion, firmly opposing the decision. The opposition culminated with the community taking the developer to VCAT. The community’s voice was heard and the full reinstatement of the Berwick Springs’ entry features, as we see them today, was secured.
2024- Onwards
Berwick Springs Lake
Residents came together once more to protest the government’s failure to follow democratic due process and consult the community. Had the Sikh community been told that the Govt had failed to consult, acted undemocratically and had effectively handed them a poisoned chalice?
Click HERE to download the full 10 page document listing the community’s work over 25 years