Project summary
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.
Public Information:
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).
The invitation for public comment was made between Thursday 9 April 2026 and Thursday 23 April 2026, with no public comments received during this period. The Pettavel Basin Augmentation Preliminary Documentation will now move to Final Documentation for the referral 2024/09840 with no changes made as per the EPBC Act Regulations.Hard copies of the referral documents for viewing (Regulation 16.04(2)) are available from 9 April to 14 May 2026 at:
- Barwon Water Ryrie St Reception, 55-67 Ryrie St, Geelong, 3220
- The Geelong Library, 51 Little Malop St, Geelong, Vic, 3220
- DEECA Geelong office (Level 4/ 30-38 Little Malop St, Geelong, Vic, 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:
