A key stretch of the Barwon River corridor would be made safe under a plan to safely demolish the Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct that crosses the Barwon River near Breakwater.

Barwon Water has lodged a permit application to remove the 14 towers and spans of the aqueduct that was decommissioned in the early 1990s.

The surrounding area has been closed to the public since 1995 due to safety concerns.

The application paves the way for 66 hectares of land and water to re-open and seeks to retain footprint elements of the aqueduct where it is safe to do so.

Barwon Water Managing Director Shaun Cumming said the application had been lodged with Heritage Victoria and was now open for submissions.

“Making the area safe is the only way the community can again pursue a range of interests and experience the heritage and significance of the site," Mr Cumming said.

“We are now committed to creatively recognising the aqueduct’s historical values and ensuring its contribution to the water industry is known to visitors and the wider community.

“Until long term works are completed, we remind community members to keep out of the area for safety reasons.”

Via the new permit application, Barwon Water is seeking to safely conserve and activate the aqueduct elements consisting of:

• The stair landings at either end of the aqueduct; and
• The pier bases located below each of the fourteen truss spans.

The elements would be incorporated into the rehabilitated landscape, which could potentially also feature educational walking trails, viewing platforms and signage.

Opportunities to salvage segments of ovoid pipe, original concrete and reinforcing steel will also be explored.

If a permit is granted, a detailed Heritage Interpretation Plan would be developed, in line with any permit conditions. This plan may potentially include:

• Site-based interpretation (north landing site, terrestrial and river channel pier bases, track infrastructure)
• Off-site interpretation, such as permanent features and educational exhibits
• Online exhibits, including archival media and recordings; and
• Temporary events and activities to commemorate the aqueduct, prior to demolition.

All documents associated with the permit application will be published at https://www.heritage.vic.gov.au/protecting-our-her...

Barwon Water has consulted widely to gather feedback on how to best recognise the heritage significance of the aqueduct.

A total of 114 responses were received via an online survey, which reinforced the need to safely manage the site and recognise its historical values.

Alongside this, the project’s Community Reference Group has helped advise on the Heritage Interpretation Strategy.