The Essential Services Commission approved Barwon Water’s proposal to take the next step in progressing the Forrest Wastewater System as part of the 2023-2028 Price Submission budget. Barwon Water will invest $1.9 million to further refine the concept, and understand costs and funding avenues and regulatory and environmental approvals to progress the project. A concept design and business case for a centralised wastewater management solution in Forrest will be developed and shared with the Barwon Water Board in 2024.

Technical experts have been appointed to undertake concept refinement and design over the next 18 months. This will inform the business case that is needed to present to the Barwon Water Board for project approval. The technical experts, along with members from Barwon Water and Colac Otway Shire will visit Forrest to kick off the project. The purpose of this visit is to inspect the Forrest landscape before starting work on the proposed solution.

The draft business case presented to the Essential Services Commission in September 2022 as part of the price submission process assumes that the full costs of the scheme, including pump units at properties, reticulation infrastructure and a new local water reclamation plant, would be funded by Barwon Water. Under this proposed business case model, residents would be responsible for on-property connections, which will vary based on property size and existing plumbing condition, a new customer contribution (which is currently $576.77), and an ongoing sewer charge as part of the Barwon Water quarterly bill. Subject to the resolution of these items, approval of the business case by Barwon Water’s Board in 2024 - and importantly, securing an affordable outcome for all - construction could start in 3 to 4 years.