Aqueduct update

Timeline adjustment

Due to wet weather, and a decision by Barwon Water to seek new market prices for the aqueduct works, the expected time for completion of the works is now mid-2024. This will mean access to the site and the opening of the Barwon River at the aqueduct will occur later than planned.

We aim to engage a contractor for the works in early 2023.

We will continue to engage with the community and experts to develop a Heritage Interpretation Plan for the aqueduct and surrounds.

The aqueduct conservation and river opening works are unique and complex, with works being undertaken on a floodplain. The safety of our staff and contractors is paramount, and so we need to be flexible and respond to wet weather conditions.

Caption: A drone image shows the extent of flooding from the Barwon River at Porronggitj Karrong in October 2022, with water under several spans of the aqueduct. Thumbnail image courtesy of Anne Preston.

Heritage Interpretation Plan

The Heritage Interpretation Plan will cover how we present information to the public about the historic, scientific, aesthetic and architectural significance of the aqueduct. We will develop it in consultation with Heritage Victoria, the community and expert stakeholders, for final Heritage Victoria approval.

You can help by completing the short survey (see survey tab), which remains open on the project website. Thank you to everyone who has already shared their memories, ideas and questions, by completing the survey.

Latest news on the broader Porronggitj Karrong project

Gathering information for the Healthy Country Plan

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation are leading the development of a Healthy Country Plan for Porronggitj Karrong. The plan will set out how to look after dja (Country) in a way that promotes Wadawurrung connection cultural practices and knowledge.

As part of the process, we’re gathering information.

For example, we’re working towards a seasonal calendar for the site. It will show the flowering and fruiting times of important food and medicine plants, animal and insect lifecycles, and migration of birds.

Moolap Primary School visit

Last term Barwon Water visited Moolap Primary School to share information about the Porronggitj Karrong and Aqueduct project, (which is based nearby in Breakwater).

Wadawurrung Language Facilitator Anie Skinner also joined students in a ‘yarning circle’ to share Wadawurrung names and stories for a number of the birds, animals and plants found on the site.

Porronggitj Karrong means ‘place of the brolga’ in Wadawurrung language. Other Wadawurrung words that relate to plants and animals found at Porronggitj Karrong include:

• bit-bit-djerrak – Australian white ibis
• tjarra – swamp harrier
• parrwang – magpie
• djirm – frog
• kadak – snake
• be:al – river red gum
• moo:i:yung – silver wattle

If you’d like to learn more, download the free Wadawurrung Language app.

Moolap students also heard about the history of the Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct, and plans by Barwon Water to remove 4 of the 14 spans of the aqueduct to open up safe access to the site.