As part of the upgrade to the Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline, we are increasing the amount of water we can store at our Pettavel Basin site in Waurn Ponds.

The site has been used for water storage and supply for more than 100 years and this project will add a new 100 megalitre water storage basin.

Demand for water is growing due to a drier climate, less rainfall and strong population growth across the region, including Armstrong Creek, Leopold, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast and Greater Geelong. This upgrade will help make sure our community continues to have a reliable supply of safe drinking water, now and into the future.

During environmental surveys, a breeding population of Growling Grass Frog was found in the borrow pit wetland that was created when we built the existing basins. Prior to construction commencing on the new basin, we have committed to constructing a purpose-built Growling Grass Frog wetland to ensure that we retain this important habitat and the existing population of Growling Grass Frog onsite. Once this new wetland is established, we will relocate any frogs remaining in the borrow pit wetland to this new habitat. In this way the project will maintain infrastructure for safe and secure water supply while ensuring a positive environmental outcome.

You can read more about how we’re relocating the Growling Grass Frogs in the documents on the right-hand side of this page.

We are currently collecting feedback about the Growling Grass Frog Offset Management Plan and other supporting documents associated with our Action / Project in line with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Pettavel Basin Augmentation, Waurn Ponds, Victoria. EPBC (2024/09840)

Notification of Publication of Preliminary Documentation under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

The following notice is published pursuant to Section 95A(3) of the EPBC Act for an action proposed to be undertaken in the locality of Waurn Ponds, Victoria.

The Barwon Region Water Corporation (Barwon Water) is seeking approval for the construction of a new 100ML water storage basin and ancillary works to augment the existing water storage facility at 210-240 Reservoir Rd, Waurn Ponds.

The proposed action was determined to be a controlled action under the EPBC Act with assessment by Preliminary Documentation. The controlling provision is ‘Listed threatened species and ecological communities’ (sections 18 & 18A).

Public comments are invited on the Pettavel Basin Augmentation Preliminary Documentation. The submission period commences on 9 April 2026 and will close at 5 pm on 23 April 2026.

A copy of the draft Preliminary Documentation for the proposed action is available on the right hand side of this page.

Hard copies of the draft Preliminary Documentation for the proposed action are available at:

• Barwon Water Ryrie Street Reception, 55-67 Ryrie St, Geelong, 3220; and
• The Geelong Library & Heritage Centre, 51 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220.
• DEECA Geelong Office (Level 4/30-38 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220)

How to make a submission

You can make a submission directly via email or post. To do this, your submission must reference the project number EPBC 2024/09840 and be lodged at the following email or postal address no later than 5 pm on 23 April 2026 (AEDT).

Email: projects@barwonwater.vic.gov.au

Post:
Attention: Enterprise Project Delivery
Barwon Water
PO Box 659
Geelong Victoria 3220

If you have any accessibility requirements, or need the information in alternate formats, please contact our Enterprise Project Delivery department for assistance via projects@barwonwater.vic.gov.au or 1300 656 007. Barwon Water provides a free interpreter service – contact the Contact the Translating and Interpreter Service (TIS) on 13 14 50 for assistance.

Information on the assessment process under the EPBC Act is available from the website https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/approvals.

All submissions must be lodged by 5 pm on 23 April 2026 (AEDT).

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