Barwon Water has reached a key milestone in the development of a long-term wastewater solution for the Forrest community, purchasing a site for a new recycling facility in Gerangamete.

General Manager Planning, Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher said the purchase of the land was an important step for the project.

“Securing a site allows the concept designs for the system to be finalised,” Mr Butcher said.

The project proposes a solution to replace onsite septic systems with a pressure sewer system to service the Forrest township. Wastewater will then be sent to the Gerangamete facility to treat and re-use the recycled water.

“We will continue to work closely with the Forrest community to ensure they are comfortable with plans, as well as progress with the expected transition to a pressure sewer system” Mr Butcher said.

The draft business case assumes that Barwon Water will fund the full costs of the scheme, including sewer pump units at properties, sewer infrastructure (such as pipelines), and a new wastewater recycling facility.

Forrest property owners would be responsible for the cost of on-property connections, which involves connecting the property’s plumbing to a new Barwon Water connection point within their property, and electricity usage costs for the sewer pumping unit located on their property.

Mr Butcher said that Barwon Water offers several payment and support options to customers who are experiencing financial challenges.

“We will ensure that Forrest customers are provided with information about the concessions and payments available, which may help to alleviate some of the on-property connection costs.”

If implemented, the Forrest Wastewater Project will:

• Eliminate the public health and environmental risks associated with inadequately performing septic systems
• Remove the maintenance burden of existing onsite systems
• Improve Forrest’s amenity, creating better experiences for residents and visitors; and
• Provide enabling infrastructure to support increased economic activity through tourism and sustainable development.

“We’re excited that the anticipated project will provide better amenity for the local Forrest community and also support the local and visitor economy,” Mr Butcher said.

Updates for the project will be published on our dedicated Your Say website.

Community members with any questions or seeking further information can contact Barwon Water on 1300 656 007 or email projects@barwonwater.vic.gov.au.

More information on our payment and support options can be found at www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/billing-and-accounts/concessions-and-payment-assistance.