Help guide our long-term water security

Barwon Water is seeking public input, as it prepares to update its 50-year plan to meet the rising demand for urban water supplies across the growing Barwon region.

Community engagement is now open on the upcoming iteration of Barwon Water’s 2027 Urban Water Strategy.

All Victorian water corporations develop an Urban Water Strategy to detail how they plan to meet the needs of their region over the next half-century.

Barwon Water General Manager Planning, Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher said the key blueprint is updated every 5 years, to best plan for actions required to support a healthy population, environment and economy.

“We are keen to understand the community’s preferences and views of the various approaches available to securing water supplies over the coming decades,” Mr Butcher said.

“The public’s input will help us make decisions about where to invest and what to prioritise, so we can deliver for our customers, communities, Traditional Owners and the environment.

“At Barwon Water, we know that by listening to our communities and partnering strategically, we will find the way forward.”

Over the coming months, Barwon Water will be seeking the community’s input on a range of potential water savings, smarts or sources options.

These could include:

- Using water-saving smart technologies and new ways to manage water demand

- Increasing supply via new and/or expanded sources, such as desalinated water, purified recycled water, or harvested stormwater; or

- Expanding the existing water grid to move greater volumes of water to areas of need.

Barwon Water will be receiving feedback on savings, smarts and sources until September 2026 at www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/urban-water-strategy-2027

A draft 2027 Urban Water Strategy will then be made available for public feedback, before the document is finalised mid next year.