BARWON Water has announced a plan to dismantle the 110-year-old Barwon River Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct, stating the structure will eventually collapse even if it is propped up.<\/p>\n
The water authority has resolved to lodge a new permit application, determining the requirements of the existing Heritage Victoria permit cannot be met safely.<\/p>\n
The aqueduct carried the Geelong outfall sewer across the Barwon River from 1915 to 1992, before being decommissioned and replaced by a pipeline under the river.<\/p>\n
Falling concrete and other safety risks saw the surrounding land and river close to the public in 1995.<\/p>\n
The permit issued in November 2020 allowed for four spans of the aqueduct to be removed, with the remaining 10 spans to be conserved.<\/p>\n
Barwon Water stated the aquaduct’s eventual failure was now unavoidable and it could not be safely maintained even if structural propping was installed.<\/p>\n
Managing director Shuan Cumming all avenues had been covered to determine the safest way to move forward.<\/p>\n
“Unfortunately, there is no safe way to complete conservation works on the aqueduct, with any option for propping unable to prevent the eventual failing of the structure.<\/p>\n
“Community and worker safety is our top priority, and this new way forward removes many ongoing risks that the deteriorating structure poses to the public.”<\/p>\n
“This is the safest remaining option that also provides the best heritage outcome.”<\/p>\n
A Heritage Interpretation Plan (HIP) will be developed for the aqueduct, focusing on the historic, scientific, aesthetic and architectural significant of the structure.<\/p>\n
The application may include the retention of parts if safe to do so, subject to do the HIP.<\/p>\n
A community reference group and public consultation will hold with the broader community on best steps forward.<\/p>\n
While access under the structure remains prohibited, the proposed plans will enable people to move freely on land and river.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BARWON Water has announced a plan to dismantle the 110-year-old Barwon River Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct, stating the structure will eventually collapse even if it is propped up. The water authority has resolved to lodge a new permit application, determining the requirements of the existing Heritage Victoria permit cannot be met safely. The aqueduct carried the […]<\/p>\n