Barwon Water is inviting local communities across Victoria’s southwest to have their say in shaping its next generation of long-term strategies. The organisation is seeking feedback on how it can continue to deliver sustainable, affordable and innovative water services over the next 15 years.
Feedback will inform the development of three major blueprints: Strategy 2040, the Urban Water Strategy 2027, and the Price Submission 2028–2033. Together, they will guide Barwon Water’s adaptation to climate change, infrastructure investment planning, and support for regional wellbeing.
Managing Director Shaun Cumming said community expectations and a regional vision for sustainable growth drive the utility’s forward planning.
“Over the past decade, we have focused on leveraging the value of our services to enhance the economic, social, cultural and environmental prosperity of the Barwon region,” Cumming said. “We want to keep adapting, find new solutions and maximise the value of our precious resources so we can help the region grow sustainably, and these strategies are key to achieving that outcome.”
Aligning long-term planning with community priorities
The Strategy 2040 document will replace Barwon Water’s existing Strategy 2030 and outline the utility’s guiding priorities for the next 15 years. It will align closely with the Price Submission 2028–2033, which sets out customer pricing, service standards and infrastructure investment proposals under the Essential Services Commission regulation.
Meanwhile, the Urban Water Strategy 2027 will take a 50-year view of supply and demand, identifying new approaches to water security and regional resilience in the face of population growth and a changing climate.
Cumming said collaboration will remain central to how Barwon Water delivers outcomes across its network.
“We know we get better results when we work in partnership with customers, communities and Traditional Owners,” he said. “Ensuring our partners are at the heart of this transition will help us build a resilient and prosperous region.”
Building a resilient and adaptive water system
Barwon Water’s long-term strategies will strengthen regional sustainability by integrating new technologies, community insights, and resource-efficiency measures. These frameworks will also consider equity, affordability and innovation, ensuring that future water infrastructure investments deliver both environmental and economic value.
Residents can contribute by completing a short survey on Barwon Water’s consultation portal at yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/strategies.