More water to flow under bridge for caretakers cottage

BARWON Water is celebrating the 150-year anniversary of its service basins at Lovely Banks by restoring the on-site basin keeper cottage.

The exterior of the heritage-protected building has been structurally restored, with plans to fit out the interior to use it as an office.

The Lovely Banks service basins have been in operation since 1874, helping to balance the flow of water from the Brisbane Ranges to the ever-growing Geelong CBD.

In the same period, a caretaker’s cottage was built to house the employee tasked with ensuring the smooth running of the facility.

The first basin keeper, a Mr Treyvuad, lived in the cottage with his family until the 1890s.

The original cottage was last used in 1956 and was replaced by a larger house within the basin site. The role of a basin keeper has since been usurped by remote monitoring.

Barwon Water acting general manager of planning, delivery and environment Scott Cavanagh said the works celebrated the site’s rich past and value for future generations.

“The restoration of the cottage recognises the heritage of the site, and the wider infrastructure that has helped provide 150 years of drinking water supply to the region,” he said.

“We also want to use the building again as an operator’s office, given it is well placed to support the next wave of growth areas in Geelong’s north and west. As part of the sesquicentenary commemoration, Barwon Water recognised Wadawurrung Traditional Owners’ ongoing connection to Country.”

Last month, a Wadawurrung site cleansing ceremony was carried out by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation Ngarrwa officer Ash Skinner to celebrate the site’s continuous service.

“It was a unique opportunity to provide a smoking ceremony for an old cottage on top of the Barrabool (many rolling hills), a place that holds many stories for both Wadawurrung history and Barwon Water history,” Mr Cavanagh said.