Barwon Water has submitted its review of the bulk entitlement that governs the sustainable use of the Anglesea borefield.

The borefield can access groundwater from the Lower Eastern View Formation aquifer, which stretches from the Otway foothills to the ocean, as deep as 700 metres below the surface.

Barwon Water’s review is now with the Victorian Minister for Water Harriet Shing and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

General Manager Planning, Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher said the review was not about seeking to increase our extraction limits.

“This is to inform how we best manage the borefield into the future and ensure we continue to protect the natural environment,” he said

“We remain committed to protecting the environment and groundwater dependent ecosystems.”

No groundwater is currently being extracted from the borefield, which is made up of seven production bores across two sites.

The borefield was last used to supplement Geelong, Surf Coast and the Bellarine’s drinking water supplies in 2019/20. Apart from a six-month pump test in the first half of 2022 that was used to help inform this review, it has remained on standby since this time.

An extensive range of work was conducted to inform the review, including:

• reviewing the conceptual site model and groundwater model
• undertaking scenario forecast modelling to determine how the system may respond to potential future groundwater pumping activities and climate change scenarios
• identifying the potential impacts of taking groundwater without having the appropriate triggers and controls in place
  
• identifying whether any improvements can be made to the controls and triggers contained within the current bulk entitlement, to protect the environmental values and health of groundwater dependent ecosystem
• identifying any improvements that could be made to the monitoring and assessment program; and
• informing, and seeking feedback, from key stakeholders and the community.

Mr Butcher thanked the community for its feedback and input over several years, including via the Anglesea River Advisory Group and at our public information sessions.

“While the borefield is in standby mode, we’ll continue to carry out environmental monitoring and we’ll keep the community informed about this work.”

Following the review, further work will need to be undertaken to inform any changes that may be required to the bulk entitlement order, to best protect the environmental values and health of the area.

If an amendment to the bulk entitlement is required, we’ll engage with the community prior to submitting an amendment application to the Minister for Water.

The borefield is one of several water sources that can supplement the region’s supply system in dry conditions when water storages are low.

However, Barwon Water is continuing to invest in innovative and affordable solutions to increase alternative supplies, such as recycled water, to reduce its reliance on rivers and groundwater sources.

For more information on the borefield, please visit:www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/anglesea-borefield