Barwon Water is inviting the Lorne community to provide feedback on the values and principles developed by Barwon Water and the Lorne Community Working Group as part of the Lorne: Water, Your Say program.

This initiative aims to secure Lorne’s water future through a collaborative approach with local residents, and will be guided by the values and principles established by the group and Barwon Water.

Last year, Barwon Water invited Lorne community members to be part of a Community Working Group dedicated to Lorne’s future water security.

The group, comprising knowledgeable and passionate individuals, has met three times and developed the set of values and principles to inform the final assessment criteria for future water security options.

Barwon Water General Manager of Planning, Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher said he was looking forward to the opportunity to incorporate the wider community’s input into the program.

“The group is providing a robust forum for Barwon Water and Lorne locals to collaborate on future water security options.

“We’re extremely grateful for the insights that can only be provided by people on the ground with local knowledge.

“We look forward to continuing to work with them to increase Lorne’s water supply with an option that aligns with the values and principles developed by the group and Barwon Water.”

The Lorne Community Working Group and Barwon Water have created a first draft of values and principles and are seeking input from the broader community to ensure they reflect community sentiment.

The group agreed that equity, affordability, environmental sustainability, and open-mindedness were core themes.

The principles drafted are as follows:

• Do no harm to the environment, as far as reasonably practicable. Offsets will be considered where harm cannot be avoided.
• Minimise disadvantage to the community and the environment.
• Care for Country and Connect to Country, under the guidance of Traditional Owners.
• Be a good corporate citizen.
• Be guided by evidence – and be prepared to change our minds based on new evidence.

These values and principles will guide the consideration of options to address Lorne’s long-term water challenges.

The values and principles were designed to ensure that all aspects of sustainability, equity, and evidence-based decision-making were part of planning for Lorne’s water future.

Barwon Water is now seeking feedback and comments from the broader Lorne community on these principles. To provide your input, please visit our Your Say page at www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/lorne-hub.

Additionally, keep an eye out for Barwon Water’s pop-up stalls around Lorne, where you can learn more about the project and share your thoughts in person.

While Lorne’s water supply is secure for the immediate future, the Lorne: Water, Your Say project aims to plan and implement actions to create a sustainable and resilient water future for the town.

For more information about the Lorne: Water, Your Say project, visit: www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/lorne-hub.