Heritage Victoria approves removal of historic aqueduct

A 110-year-old historic landmark will be dismantled to safely reopen a key stretch of the Barwon River corridor after Heritage Victoria granted a permit for its demolition.

The decision marks the final chapter for the Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct, a failing reinforced concrete structure, which has forced the closure of 66ha of land and water in the Breakwater area since 1995.

While a previous 2020 permit allowed for the partial removal of the aqueduct, Barwon Water successfully argued the entire structure has since reached a point of “critically poor condition” where even propping it up is no longer considered a safe or viable option.

Heritage Victoria’s approval is subject to 29 conditions aimed at mitigating the loss of the state-significant landmark.

While the 14 cantilevered truss spans and towers will be removed, the pier bases at ground level and the stair landings at either end must be stabilised and retained as a physical footprint of the site’s history.

To ensure the structure’s scientific and architectural legacy survives, Barwon Water is required to complete a high-resolution 3D digital model and drone survey before any physical works begin.

The water authority must also fund and deliver a “tangible contemporary interpretation” of the site. This will include a large-scale public artwork or new onsite structure that reflects the aqueduct’s original form and scale, along with a physical architectural model for public display.

In a statement released on Monday, Barwon Water said Heritage Victoria had conducted a detailed and carefully considered evaluation process.

“Barwon Water will need to closely examine the conditions that are attached to the permit and consider the influence they may have on the overall project,” it read.

“We remain committed to recognising the significance of the site, while being able to safely re-open the river corridor and Porronggitj Karrong for public use.”

The permit also requires Barwon Water to host commemorative community events and public exhibits before to demolition. Under the terms of the agreement, works must begin within two years and be completed within eight years.

The aqueduct once carried Geelong’s outfall sewer across the Barwon River before it was decommissioned in 1992 and replaced with a pipeline under the river.