About the project

Barwon Water is planning to reforest our Dewing Creek site east of the Barwon Downs township to increase biodiversity, provide habitat for the native wildlife, and create nature-based carbon offsets.

We are undertaking our first nature-based carbon sequestration project to re-establish approximately 150 hectares of native vegetation. This project is part of a larger sequestration program that will help us achieve our net zero emissions target by 2030.

Nature-based carbon sequestration re-establishes forest on cleared land, to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in a stable form in trees and other vegetation.

This project will be registered with the Clean Energy Regulator under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit scheme, and is expected to sequester 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over 25 years.

Project details

Planning and design is expected to be finalised by the end of 2024, with planting to begin in 2026 after the project is registered with the Clean Energy Regulator.

As part of planning for the project, we are undertaking a range of site investigations including, flora and fauna assessments, fire risk management, mapping and communication with adjacent landowners.

Improving water quality

This project will enhance the water supply catchment for the Greater Geelong region, as Dewing Creek is part of the Barwon Water network. A major risk to water quality is from microscopic pathogens which mostly comes from stock manure. By excluding stock from the Dewing Creek area and planting native vegetation, we will see better quality water.

Protecting native flora and fauna

The revegetation process will reflect the local and historical vegetation of the Dewing Creek area. It will remain here permanently to ensure there is on-going environmental benefits for the area. This includes increasing biodiversity and providing habitat for native wildlife.

All vegetation will be determined by the local Ecological Vegetation Class, and all seed will be collected from the local area. The habitat of up to 28 threatened species will be expanded as part of this project, including eight threatened plants that will be included in the revegetation.

Working with Traditional Owners

We are committed to deeply listening to, learning from, and helping to realise the reccomendations and directions of Traditional Owners.

We will work alongside Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation on this project, including working with Eastern Maar to realise their goals and direction as per Meerreengeeye ngakeepoorryeeyt (Healthy Country Plan).