AN ENDANGERED species of native fish living in the Hallam main drain has forced a road to be moved, costing property owners close to $10 million.
The tiny dwarf galaxias, typically found in still waters such as swamps and drains, has forced Casey Council to re-route O'Grady Road as part of sealing works.
The council says that if the gravel road were to be sealed in its current location adjacent to the drain, it would threaten the habitat of the rare fish, which is protected under Federal and State legislation.
The new sealed road, designed to service an industrial area, would be moved directly north of its existing location, causing project costs to increase to $9.7 million.
Under the council's special charge scheme for unmade roads in the city, the 10 property owners in O'Grady Road would each pay bills ranging from $380,800 to $1.36 million depending on the land size.
One property owner, who did not want to be named, said it was "ridiculous" that he and the other owners would not be compensated for land acquisition required for the new route.
"I'm losing about two acres for this road and we are bearing the cost of it. Effectively, we're buying our own land. We're prepared to pay for the sealing, but we don't want to lose our land and not even be compensated for it."
The property owner said the charge could also force him out of business.
"Melbourne Water did a study of this fish two years ago. Since then we've had drought and the constant dumping of rubbish in that drain.
"We doubt the fish are still there. And if they are, why not move them to a more suitable location, somewhere that isn't zoned industrial?"
Casey engineering and environment manager David Richardson said owners had the right under the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act to appeal against the decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Casey councillor Wayne Smith conceded that the situation had placed an "extra burden on land owners" but the council had few options.
Australia New Guinea Fishes Association treasurer Tony Tucceri supported the council's decision to move the road and protect the habitat.
He said there was a significant remnant population of the rare fish living in Casey. "If people are saying that this fish doesn't exist, they need to step out and have a closer look at the drains."
Mr Tucceri said there were risks in re-locating the fish. "Where they are living is their natural habitat and you want to conserve and preserve this. If you move wildlife you could be putting them in a place where they are under greater threat."
He said the future was bleak for the tiny fish, and urged the community to "work together" to try and save the remnant population.
Melbourne Water spokesman Ben Pratt confirmed that the fish could still be found throughout the Hallam Valley flood plain.
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