Extensive expert investigations have determined the safest way forward for the Barwon River Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct site.
Barwon Water has resolved to lodge a new permit application, seeking to safely dismantle the 110-year-old structure and significantly recognise its heritage values.
After considering a host of potential options over several years, Barwon Water has determined that the requirements of the existing Heritage Victoria permit cannot be met safely.
That permit, issued in November 2020, allows four spans of the aqueduct to be removed, with the remaining 10 spans to be retained and conserved.
However, investigations have found that the aqueduct cannot be safely maintained—and its eventual failure is unavoidable—even if structural propping was installed.
Managing Director Shaun Cumming said this decision had been several years in the making.
“We have explored all avenues with a range of experts,” Cumming said. “Unfortunately, there is no safe way to complete conservation works on the aqueduct, and an option for propping cannot prevent the structure’s eventual failure.
“Community and worker safety is our top priority, and this new way forward removes many ongoing risks that the deteriorating structure poses to the public.”
“This is the safest remaining option that provides the best heritage outcome.”
A Heritage Interpretation Plan (HIP) will be developed, focusing on the aqueduct’s historical, scientific, aesthetic, and architectural significance.
The application may include retaining parts at either end of the structure and pier bases, if safe to do so, subject to the HIP.
To develop the HIP, Barwon Water will work collaboratively with the existing Community Reference Group, which has provided input into the project since 2021. Public consultation involving the broader community will also be held.
The aqueduct carried the Geelong outfall sewer across the Barwon River from 1915 to 1992, when it was decommissioned and replaced by a pipeline built under the river.
Due to safety risks, including falling concrete, the surrounding land and river were closed to the public in 1995.
While access under the structure remains prohibited, the proposed plan will enable people to move freely on land and the river.
The initiative will also support separate work to create a new cultural and community precinct that will encourage public use of the wider area.
The award-winning project is rehabilitating a 66-hectare stretch of the river plain known as Porronggitj Karrong (place of the Brolga). It forms a component of the larger Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto Langi-ut Masterplan for the Barwon through Geelong Parklands.
This will ultimately create a balanced ecological system where the whole community can connect, listen, and learn from Country.
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