About the project
Barwon Water is upgrading the existing sewer pipeline between the Barwon River and Barwon Heads pump station on Barwon Heads Road.
This critical project is part of our ongoing commitment to providing high quality, secure and affordable water and sewerage services to the Barwon Heads community.
To ensure there is no disruption to the sewerage pipeline network during the life of the project, a temporary sewerage pipeline, known as a bypass, is being created. The temporary pipeline will ensure continued high quality sewer services while works to upgrade the existing pipeline are undertaken. This will be constructed along Geelong - Barwon Heads Road between the pump station and the Barwon River. See map below for the location of the bypass.
Installation of the temporary sewer pipeline began in March 2024, followed by construction of the upgraded sewer pipeline. Construction activities are scheduled to conclude in late 2024 (dependent on the weather).
The renewal of the pipeline will take place in stages along the Geelong – Barwon Heads Road.
Why does the pipeline need to be upgraded?
This pipeline is a very important piece of sewerage infrastructure, in that it takes sewage from Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff to the Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant in Breamlea.
Community members might recall that in late 2021 this pipeline failed unexpectedly, leading to an emergency response and complex repair works to ensure a reliable sewerage service continued.
Investigation into the leak identified issues in the main requiring that it be replaced.
This project will upgrade the damaged pipeline and ensure we can continue to provide high quality, secure and affordable water and sewerage services to the Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove, Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale communities.
What to expect during construction
Construction activities will occur Monday to Friday, between 7am and 6pm. If Saturday work is required, it will take place between 7am and 1pm. If night works are required, impacted residents will be notified in advance.
During construction, there will be some local impacts. Barwon Water apologises for this inconvenience, and we will aim to minimise impacts to the local community. Below is some helpful information to be aware of.
All construction activities will take place within the road reserve, some private properties (these property owners are aware of the works) and in some locations, the road itself. Temporary fencing and/or traffic management will be in place to ensure public and worker safety during construction. Please be mindful of construction vehicles entering and exiting roads along the construction area.
Construction materials will be stored in two locations of the Barwon Heads Community Park:
- Between Barwon Heads Bowling Club and the tennis courts
- Scout Hall car park
See the project map above for details.
We apologise for the disruption at the community park and will minimise impacts as much as possible.
Works on the sewer main replacement will need to be carried out in two stages:
- Barwon River to the Barwon Heads Road /Sheepwash Road intersection
- Barwon Heads Road/Sheepwash Road intersection to the Barwon Heads Sewer Pump Station (1939 Barwon Heads Road).
The temporary pipeline will be laid in the Community Park, under the road itself (resulting in partial lane closures) and within the Barwon Heads-Geelong Road reserve. (See the project map above for details)
During works, there will be some altered traffic conditions including:
- reduced speed limit around work areas
- single lane closure at times
- road closure at times with detours in place
- increased truck and construction vehicle movements in the area
To support vehicle access to various locations (including Village Park), the temporary pipe will be laid under key access points/driveways.
Barwon Water will confirm details, dates and times for these altered traffic conditions and encourages the local community to allow extra time to complete journeys safely.
Additional information
Access to private properties for residents and emergency services will be maintained throughout the works. In the event we need to alter any access to private property driveways, Barwon Water will be in contact to discuss this, ahead of any works commencing.
There may be some increased noise, dust and vibrations. Barwon Water will aim to minimise impacts to residents.
A temporary site office is on private property near the Barwon Heads Sewer Pump Station on the Geelong-Barwon Heads Road.
Barwon Water has conducted flora and fauna assessments along the route of the temporary bypass pipeline to ensure minimal disruption to native plants and animals during construction.
Some trees and vegetation will need to be trimmed to enable the safe construction of the pipeline. Trimming will be undertaken by a certified Arborist, and an ecologist will be on site during trimming if impacts on wildlife are considered possible.
Prior to renewing the existing sewer line, a temporary bypass will be constructed. This means your sewer services will not be interrupted by these works.
