Timing will be confirmed following the planning approvals process. We anticipate to commence construction in October 2024 and be completed in 2025.

We will continue to keep this page updated as the planning approvals process progresses.

As part of our planning and design, we conducted a number of site investigations, including cultural heritage assessments, flora and fauna assessments, service proving, geotechnical and land surveys to protect cultural heritage, as well as avoid and minimise impacts to native vegetation and fauna, as much as possible.

The design process has been completed and Barwon Water is currently undergoing robust environmental assessment processes and required approvals before construction commences.

Environmental assessment processes are set by both the Victorian and Commonwealth Government, to review the potential environmental impacts of this project. We will obtain necessary approvals by the Victorian and the Commonwealth Governments and fully comply with their conditions before construction commences.

The Colac Water Pipeline Upgrade project needs to comply with legislations including:

• National Parks Act 1975 (Victoria)
• Water Act 1989 (Victoria)
• Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Victoria)
• Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Victoria)
• Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Victoria)
• Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (Commonwealth)

EPBC Act

The EPBC Act is the Australian Government's legal framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places. We have now received approval under the EPBC Act for Stage 1 which helps us ensure mitigation of any potential risks to endangered flora and fauna species.

Learn more via the EPBC Act FAQs web page.

Protecting native flora and fauna is a key priority for us. We’ve conducted detailed ecological assessments to:

• understand the native flora and fauna values of the area.
• help minimise disruption to native flora and fauna.
• protect the surrounding forest and its habitat through construction.
• inform approvals requirements.

We have also conducted targeted surveys for endangered species, including the Gang-gang Cockatoo, Yellow-bellied Glider and Long-nosed Potoroo, which were identified on site due to the habitat available in the Great Otway National Park.

Barwon Water is securing environmental offsets for flora and fauna that are likely to be impacted during construction.

Barwon Water will implement measures during construction to further minimise the impact on fauna species and their habitats as much as possible.

Gang-Gang Cockatoo

(source: Australian Government: Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment)

Yellow-Bellied Glider

(source: Australian Government: Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment)

Long-nosed Potoroo

(source: Australian Government: Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment)

Barwon Water is committed to applying a caring for Country approach to our land and waterways in partnership with Traditional Owners, other agencies and community members.

Barwon Water is currently conducting the necessary assessments and investigations for the design and approvals process.