Yarram Creek vision

THE revegetation and rehabilitation of the former Bellarine Basin site is underway, and it’s time for the community to share its thoughts on the Yarram Creek project.
Barwon Water is encouraging local residents to have their say on the draft vision, principles and objectives that will guide future plans
for the Wallington land on the corner of Grubb and Swan Bay roads. The basin was used as a water storage from the 1930s until it was decommissioned in 2011, following supply system upgrades that meant it was no longer required for operational purposes.
Work to remove the old reservoir and some of the pine trees has started as part of a larger project to restore the natural headwaters of Yarram Creek and create a wetlands.
The pine plantation, which includes trees that are nearing the end of their natural life, will be replaced with indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses, in stages, and the security fencing on site will be dismantled.
Areas of pine trees will be retained in the short term as the native vegetation becomes established to preserve and improve local wildlife habitats.
The overall Yarram Creek project covers 30 hectares of land which will be providing exciting opportunities for environmental and public use.
Barwon Water managing director Tracey Slatter said an agency advisory group including Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and City of Greater Geelong had helped develop the draft vision, guiding principles and objectives for the site. “These align with DELWP’s Distinctive Areas and Landscapes program for the Bellarine, which has provided $650,000 to support the site’s cultural and environmental values, and our commitment to open the land for public use and recreational purposes,”
Ms Slatter said.
“We’d love interested community members to offer their feedback on the draft vision, guiding principles and objectives for the site as part of stage one of the consultation process.”
Ms Slatter said after the vision, principles and objectives were finalised, consultation would focus on the activities the community would like to see the site support.
She said that using feedback from
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, the local community and key stakeholders, Barwon Water would then develop a concept plan for community review and further input before finalising the masterplan.
“We want to transform the disused basin site into an area that enhances the unique and natural features of the Bellarine Peninsula so that it becomes a place people, birds and native animals can enjoy for generations to come.”
The draft vision for the project is “Yarram Creek will be a unique, inclusive and accessible community place for people to celebrate, respect, enjoy and immerse themselves in its cultural, natural and recreational values”.
Those interested in providing feedback can complete the online survey on Barwon Water’s website, or request a hard copy by emailing [email protected] or phoning 1300 656 007.
The closing date for feedback is September 6.