Barwon Water has conducted extensive expert investigations to determine the safest way forward for the Barwon River Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct site.
The utility 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 for four spans of the aqueduct to be removed, with the remaining ten spans to be retained and conserved.
However, Barwon Water said its investigations found the aqueduct cannot be safely maintained and its eventual failure is unavoidable – even if structural propping was installed.
Barwon Water Managing Director, Shaun Cumming, said the decision had been several years in the making.
“We have explored all avenues, with a range of experts,” Mr Cumming said.
“Unfortunately, there is no safe way to complete conservation works on the aqueduct, with any option for propping unable to prevent the eventual failing of the structure.
“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,” he said.
“This is the safest remaining option that also provides the best heritage outcome.”
A Heritage Interpretation Plan (HIP) will be developed, focusing on the historic, scientific, aesthetic and architectural significance of the aqueduct.
The application may include the retention of 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 been providing input into the project since 2021. Public consultation involving the broader community will also be held.
Safety risks, due to falling concrete, saw the surrounding land and river 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 that is underway to create a new cultural and community precinct that will encourage public use of the wider area.
The award-winning project is rehabilitating a 66ha stretch of the river plain known as Porronggitj Karrong (place of the Brolga) and forms a component of the larger Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut Masterplan for the Barwon through Geelong parklands.
Barwon Water said this will ultimately create a balanced ecological system, for the whole community to connect, listen and learn from Country.
