Forrest wastewater investigation

Over the past four years, Barwon Water has been working with the community, Colac Otway Shire, and technical experts to undertake assessments and investigations to identify a wastewater solution that supports the vision for the town. With a preferred solution identified, we are now undertaking additional design and preparing cost estimates to further develop this concept.

Currently, this project is not funded. We are exploring opportunities to fund this project through our 2023-2028 Price Submission – subject to engagement with our broader customer base and the Essential Services Commission.

If the Forrest wastewater project can be funded via the 2023-2028 Price Submission, we will undertake further engagement with the Forrest community, including how the project will be rolled out, and how Barwon Water can support the community with the transition to a new wastewater system.

You can provide feedback to Barwon Water on its 2023-2028 Price Submission now. For more information please visit our website: www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/deliveringthefuture

For more information on the wastewater project, please visit our website: www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/forrest-hub

Forrest water treatment plant upgrade

With the Forrest water treatment plant on Grant Street reaching the end of its operational life, Barwon Water is planning to decommission the current infrastructure and construct a new, high quality facility to service the town. The upgrade will ensure we can continue to provide high quality, affordable and secure services for our customers and community. The project is currently in the design stage. Barwon Water will provide further updates to the community as the project progresses.

There will be no additional cost to Barwon Water customers as a result of the upgrade. The upgrade is a key project outlined and funded in Barwon Water’s 2018-2023 Price Submission, and is part of our customer promise to continue to deliver high quality and reliable water services across the region.

Barwon Willow Removal and Restoration project

Barwon Water is working with local landowners, the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) and specialised consultants to remove willows within a section of the East Barwon River to support water security and waterway health, and alleviate flooding issues in this section.

Willow infestation has caused loss of transfer capacity through this section of the river, which reduces Barwon Water’s capacity to transfer water and leads to flooding of adjacent properties. Work to remove the willows and stabilise the embankment began in early January and will be completed in late April.

Stage 2 of the project is currently being designed, and will see further willow removal downstream of our Wurdee Boluc inlet channel diversion. Concept designs for this stage are currently being finalised, and planning will continue this year, in preparation for Stage 2 construction works to be undertaken over the 2023/24 summer.

Ongoing support for tourism, weed management and waterway health

Barwon Water is continuing to support the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Colac Otway Shire council in delivering the Forrest MTB Network Revitalization Project. As part of this, we are supporting the delivery of the Barwon Flow Mountain Bike Trail located on Barwon Water land adjacent to our water treatment plant.

In addition to supporting the MTB project, we are working with Parks Victoria and Conservation Ecology Centre on wild pig management around our West Barwon Reservoir, supporting holly and weed removal with local landcare and supporting CCMA on delivery of the Upper Barwon Flagship project. We have invested more than $30,000 towards these initiatives, helping to contribute to a healthier environment for the region.

Keep in touch

We will continue to keep the Forrest community informed on the progress of these projects. In the meantime, should you have any questions, please contact us on 1300 656 007 or email projects@barwonwater.vic.gov.au