Rotary Club fights for Fyansford Paper Mill water race restoration

VOLUNTEERS from the Highton Rotary Club have been campaigning for the restoration of the breached water race at the Fyansford Paper Mill for almost three years.

The water race once concentrated water from the Barwon River into a smaller channel, driving the waterwheel that used to power the paper mill.

Now the race has been breached, the waterfall at the other end is dry and no water or fish remain.

Highton Rotary Club’s Rod Morrison said the group want to see the water race repaired to protect the heritage value of the site and enhance the tourism potential of the mill.

Following an environmental assessment of the area, the group also remain concerned about the ecological impacts of the breach, with the water race becoming a breeding ground for blue green algae and harmful weeds.

Mr Morrison said after several attempts to contact the relevant authorities and members of parliament, the club last year received a response from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), which indicated that although the historical significance of the water race was recognised by the department, there was no funding available to undertake repairs.

“We sent a letter back saying that, basically, if they can’t provide the funds, would they give us approval if we found a sponsor or philanthropist to provide the funding to proceed and restore the water race,” Mr Morrison said.

The club is now seeking permission from the state government to organise the repairs themselves and has launched a petition in the hopes it will encourage the state’s planning minister to give the approval necessary for the work to take place.

Mr Morrison said the Rotary Club were now working towards the development of a restoration proposal, which would be sent to Heritage Victoria for approval, but the club remained unsure if the planning minister would also give approval for the work to be undertaken.

Liberal Member for Western Victoria Region Bev McArthur has sponsored the club’s petition, and both raised the issue in parliament and sent a letter to the planning minister, requesting permission be granted to the Highton Rotary Club to coordinate the restoration of the water race.

“I have been delighted to support the efforts to restore the Fyansford Paper Mill water race,” Ms McArthur said.

“The channel’s historical use in generating power makes it an important part of the industrial heritage of the paper mill, and in recent years the water-flow has enhanced the beauty, interest and ecological value of the mill’s surrounds.

“I can see no argument against restoring the channel and commend the volunteers who have come together to make it happen.

“To date, it seems the group has hit a wall, with the ‘pass the buck’ mentality so common to government bureaucracy.

“I hope my involvement can do something to unlock the situation and enable these worthwhile repairs to progress.”

Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny had not responded to questions by deadline.

To view the petition, head to parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/restore-the-fyansford-paper-mill-water-race-wall