Aqueduct structure proposal

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Barwon Water is taking the next steps in its effort to address the critical safety issues of the historic aqueduct in Breakwater.

Barwon Water has applied to Heritage Victoria for a permit to remove four 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 have 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.

The history and story of the aqueduct will be recognised through an interpretive strategy, which has been submitted with the Heritage Victoria application and will be further developed with stakeholder input.

View the figure showing the proposed removal of the spans, as proposed in the heritage application.

Have your say

Heritage Victoria invited written feedback from the community on Barwon Water’s application until Friday 19 June 2020. To view the application please refer to the Heritage Victoria website: www.heritage.vic.gov.au

For enquiries on the decision making process, please email heritage.permits@delwp.vic.gov.au

Porronggitj Karrong - A new cultural and community precinct incorporating the aqueduct

The aqueduct divides 66 hectares of Barwon Water-owned land, and as part of the plan to make the area safe, Barwon Water would like to create an area that is unique for its high ecological, heritage, cultural and recreational values. Read more via the Latest News below.


Barwon Water is taking the next steps in its effort to address the critical safety issues of the historic aqueduct in Breakwater.

Barwon Water has applied to Heritage Victoria for a permit to remove four 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 have 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.

The history and story of the aqueduct will be recognised through an interpretive strategy, which has been submitted with the Heritage Victoria application and will be further developed with stakeholder input.

View the figure showing the proposed removal of the spans, as proposed in the heritage application.

Have your say

Heritage Victoria invited written feedback from the community on Barwon Water’s application until Friday 19 June 2020. To view the application please refer to the Heritage Victoria website: www.heritage.vic.gov.au

For enquiries on the decision making process, please email heritage.permits@delwp.vic.gov.au

Porronggitj Karrong - A new cultural and community precinct incorporating the aqueduct

The aqueduct divides 66 hectares of Barwon Water-owned land, and as part of the plan to make the area safe, Barwon Water would like to create an area that is unique for its high ecological, heritage, cultural and recreational values. Read more via the Latest News below.


  • Porronggitj Karrong - A new cultural and community precinct incorporating the aqueduct

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    23 May 2020
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    As part of exploring opportunities for opening the surrounding land to the community, we have been working together with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to identify the Aboriginal cultural values of the river and area.

    In partnership with Wadawurrung, we would like to gather information about the landscape and water, and engage other interested stakeholders to develop a plan for the area.

    This cultural and community precinct, referred to as Porronggitj Karrong (Place of the Brolga) is intended to be an opportunity to investigate, rediscover, trial, rehabilitate and introduce traditional land and water management practices.

    This photomontage has been developed to provide an indicative vision for the 66 ha cultural and community precinct incorporating the aqueduct. Plans will be developed in partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and in consultation with the broader Geelong community.

    View a larger version of the photomontage PDF (2MB)

    The application currently before Heritage Victoria to remove the four spans of the aqueduct will address the immediate public safety issues and access to the waterway, as well as enable the Porronggitj Karrong vision and allow the broader community access to the 66 hectares of open space.