We’ve now completed early works at the site, including geotechnical testing, removing vegetation under and beside the aqueduct, and preparing tracks for work access.

Clearing of vegetation under the aqueduct has allowed us to complete the photographic recording of the aqueduct, which will be used in a Heritage Interpretation Plan for the structure.

Propping of 10 of the 14 spans of the aqueduct, and the removal of 4 spans across the river, will start from the middle of this year.

Propping design

We have submitted the design for the propping structure to Heritage Victoria for approval. The permanent propping structure will support every loaded structural component and help to hold up the aqueduct if any individual span should fail. We will share the design after it is has been approved.

Heritage Victoria permit amendment

Earlier this year Heritage Victoria approved an amended heritage permit to allow the conservation propping works and span removal works to be completed together rather than in two separate stages.

The approach is based on advice from the contractor, and aims to reduce safety risks to workers, and may allow the works on the aqueduct to be completed more efficiently.

As the aqueduct is on a floodplain, wet weather may mean the works may need to be paused at times.

Ensuring community safety

To ensure your safety, we ask that you do not walk onto the site or the private property south of the Barwon River, to view the aqueduct. Given large plant and equipment will be moving around the site, there is no public access to the aqueduct or surrounding areas on either side of the river while works are being undertaken.

You can view the aqueduct from a distance, from the end of Tanner Street, Breakwater. Please visit outside of construction hours, for example on a weekend, to avoid heavy machinery. Please do not cross any fences at any time.

Porronggitj Karrong

A list of plant species found on the Porronggitj Karrong site is now available on the project website, along with a list of mammals, birds and amphibians.

We are continuing to gather information about the landscape and water, to feed into a Healthy Country Plan for the site.

Image Caption: Plants on site at Porronggitj Karrong include Water Buttons (Cotula coronopifolia).

Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto Langi-ut

In April, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) launched the beginning of the Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut Masterplan.

The aim of the plan is to increase public access to the unique environmental, cultural and recreational values of the Barwon and Moorabool Rivers.

Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut is the Wadawurrung name for the project previously known as the Barwon River Parklands and translates to “places of many stories”.

Porronggitj Karrong is a significant place along the Barwon River and is therefore a key project with linkages to Kitjarra-dja bul Bullarto-langi ut.

You can find out more on the CCMA website.