Porronggitj Karrong and aqueduct

Heritage Victoria has granted Barwon Water a permit to remove 4 of the 14 spans of the heritage-listed Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct in Breakwater, which has been rapidly deteriorating in condition since the 1970s.

In considering the future of the aqueduct, we investigated options for ensuring public safety and improving public access to the Barwon River and surrounding land, while balancing heritage values, Aboriginal cultural values and managing costs for our customers.

We understand the significance of this structure to many in the community, and we are committed to working with community members and stakeholders on an interpretation plan for the aqueduct as part of a wider plan for the area.

In addition to the interpretation plan, we will develop a heritage infrastructure management plan and work to stabilise the remaining structure so it can be enjoyed by those who visit the area into the future.

Work is scheduled to commence when it’s drier in late 2023 and will take a number of years to complete. Heritage Victoria will be involved throughout the process.

This significant project, costing up to $6.5 million, will generate jobs and many other benefits for the region including opening up public open space and river access.

Once the structure is made safe, we plan to progressively open the 66 hectares of surrounding Barwon Water-owned land to the public.

In partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, we are gathering information about the landscape and water, and will engage other interested stakeholders to develop a plan for the area that will be unique for its high ecological, heritage, cultural and recreational values.

See also: Heritage Victoria grants Barwon Water aqueduct permit

Porronggitj Karrong project

We are also progressing the Porronggitj Karrong project working in partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to rehabilitate the 66 hectares of public open space surrounding the aqueduct.

The project aims to provide a place where Aboriginal, heritage and community values can be brought together using Traditional Owner practices.

The Wadawurrung-Barwon Water partnership team is currently undertaking research, due diligence studies and on the ground works to listen and learn from Country at Porronggitj Karrong. These initiatives have been identified by our Traditional Owners Wadawurrung as key priorities to assist us in developing a full understanding of site’s values.