Basin plan: Barwon Water seeks feedback on Warram Creek project

BARWON Water is launching the next round of community engagement on its Bellarine Basin Yarram Creek project as it draws up a list of preferred uses and activities for the site, which will be open to the public in the coming years.

In April 2021, Barwon Water began the work to transform the Wallington site into more than 30 hectares of environmental and public open space to be enjoyed by the community for generations to come.

After positive community feedback on the project’s draft vision and guiding principles in August and September, Barwon Water managing director Tracey Slatter said the water corporation was again looking forward to working with the community on the project, in which protecting native flora and fauna was a key priority.

“Protecting and enhancing the local environment underpins the draft vision and principles for the site renewal presented to the community.”

Almost 100 community members provided feedback during the first stage of engagement, with more than 80 per cent of respondents either satisfied or very satisfied with the draft vision statement, project principles and objectives.

Ms Slatter encouraged community members to offer feedback on the activities and uses they would like to see available at the site.

“Working together with our agency advisory group, which includes Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and City of Greater Geelong – we have developed a list of proposed site uses and activities,” she said.

“The possible site uses and activities have been informed by the vision, principles and objectives for the site, and the community feedback provided throughout August and September 2021.”

Ms Slatter said the uses aligned with the Victorian government’s Distinctive Areas and Landscapes program for the Bellarine, from which Barwon Water received $650,000 matched funding for the $1.3 million project, and supported the site’s cultural and environmental values, and Barwon Water’s commitment to open the land for public use and recreational purposes.

Ms Slatter said the Bellarine Basin rehabilitation project would be delivered in stages and the site should be open to the public in 2023.
The pine tree plantation at the site, which contains trees that are nearing the end of their productive life, are being replaced in stages with indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses, and the security fencing on site will be dismantled.

About two-thirds of the pines have been retained to provide bird habitat until more native trees are established.

While working with the community to design a concept plan for the site, Barwon Water will be undertaking works to rehabilitate the site and restore the natural alignment of Yarram Creek, including removal of the old water basin and realignment of the creek.

This work will start early to mid-2022, subject to suitable weather conditions and contractor availability.

For more information or to fill out an online survey, head to the Barwon Water website.

Hard copies are available on request by emailing at [email protected] or by phoning 1300 656 007.