In February 2025, we launched the Apollo Bay: Water, Your Say program to start the conversation with Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek communities to better understand local insights, priorities and values when it comes to a sustainable and resilient water future.

Phase 1 – listen and share

Learning from you

The first phase of this was delivered between February and April, where we enjoyed being out in community chatting to over 180 locals and visitors to listen to your thoughts, ideas and concerns, and share information with you about the program.

We also learnt a lot from the insights you shared in the Apollo Bay: Water Your Say survey, including your ideas, priorities and concerns on long-term water security, climate resilience, affordability, a healthy environment and your values.

Some high level key feedback included:

• Protect the natural environment and preserve rural character.
• Education about water management and environmental issues.
• Support and strengthen economy by aligning water management and environmental practices with the needs of local businesses, tourism, and sustainable economic growth
• Dependable water and wastewater services that meet community needs.
• Support strong local identity, pride, and meaningful community participation in water and environmental decisions.
• Preserve the unique rural, relaxed lifestyle and character of the community.

Thank you to everyone who shared their insights with us!

Apollo Bay Community Working Group

The newly established community working group met for the first time in April, to learn about the areas’ water systems, issues and constraints. Since then, we’ve met a few more times, including a site tour to learn how the Apollo Bay water supply system works, and to develop a suite of draft values and principles that will inform how the area achieves a sustainable and resilient water future.

We look forward to continuing working with this group, who will help us plan for long-term water security by sharing their knowledge, local insights and the community’s priorities and values.

Why Apollo Bay: Water, Your Say matters

All water for Apollo Bay supply system (including Marengo and Skenes Creek) is harvested solely from the Barham River, which is then stored in two storage basins in Apollo Bay and Marengo.

Over the summer and autumn period, when there is less water available in the river, stored water is drawn down to meet customer water demand. The water supply can therefore be vulnerable to very dry conditions during summer and autumn.

During dry conditions water restrictions, such as the current Stage 2 water restrictions, can be necessary to reduce demand, safeguard supplies and ensure the district has sufficient water until storages recover.

We’re committed to conducting ongoing, genuine engagement with the community to plan for long-term water security, climate resilience, affordability, a healthy environmental and any other key values that the community shares.

More information

You can learn more about the Apollo Bay: Water, Your Say program by watching our webinar video recording.

We’re committed to sharing information with the community and will continue to keep this web page updated.

If you would like further information or have any questions, please contact our friendly team via projects@barwonwater.vic.gov.au or 1300 656 007.