The Essential Services Commission has approved Barwon Water’s proposal to take the next step in progressing the Forrest Wastewater project as part of the water corporation’s 2023-2028 Price Submission budget.

Barwon Water General Manager Planning, Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher said the corporation will invest $1.9 million to further refine the concept and understand costs 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 for project approval,” Mr Butcher said.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with the Forrest community during this time to ensure they are informed and supported throughout the entire process”.

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 centralised water recycling facility, would be funded by Barwon Water.

Under this proposed business case model, residents would be responsible for the cost of on-property connections (this involves connecting household plumbing, such as wastewater and grey water, to a new Barwon Water connection point within their property. Connection points would be determined in consultation with landowners during construction phase).

The cost of this on-property connection will vary based on property size and existing plumbing condition. In addition, a once-off new customer contribution (currently $576.77) will be applicable, as well as an ongoing sewer charge as part of the Barwon Water quarterly bill.

Technical experts had been appointed to undertake concept refinement and design over the next 18 months, which will inform the business case that is needed to present to the Barwon Water Board for project approval.

The project team and representatives from Colac Otway Shire recently visited Forrest to kick off the next stage of the project.

The concept refinement work includes finding a suitable location for a wastewater recycling facility, determining the type of treatment technology, and assessing end uses of recycled water. Barwon Water intends to complete this work by the end of 2023, progressing to concept design in 2024.

As Barwon Water progresses through this phase of work, the corporation will undertake desktop studies and engage with landowners to find a nearby and suitable location for the proposed wastewater recycling facility. Forrest community members might see the project team out and about as they conduct further technical investigations.

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 of the sewer network and water recycling facility could start in 2026 and continue through 2028. Barwon Water will work closely with the community over that time to ensure they are informed and supported throughout this process.

Mr Butcher said Barwon Water will be active in the community later this year, with plans for regular ‘listening posts’ where community-members can come and ask questions and learn more about the project.

“Ongoing community information sessions will be planned for 2024, once the concept refinement work is completed,” he said.

Further details, including dates for events, will soon be shared on the Forrest Community Hub YourSay website and via the Forrest Post in the coming weeks. Please make sure you come down and say hello.

Barwon Water will continue to keep the Forrest community informed on the progress of this important project.

In the meantime, should Forrest community-members have any questions, please visit www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/forrest-hub or email projects@barwonwater.vic.gov.au.