Barwon consultation

Barwon River MAC chair Christine Forster said in the discussion papers that the health of the Barwon and its surrounding rivers are crucial to the growing communities they support.

“The rivers of the Barwon (Barre Warre Yulluk) and their tributaries are valuable natural assets that need to be protected and enhanced for future generations.

“They will play a key role in supporting the liveability, amenity and recreational opportunities for a growing population, as well as support diverse agricultural and horticultural production and an expanding economy.”

Ms Forster says the region’s population could double by 2050, making planning for the rivers’ preservation crucial.

The Barwon River Ministerial Advisory Committee outlines the potential directions for the river’s future in their discussion paper, “Our Living Rivers of the Barwon”.

Traditional owners, communities, industry and government agencies have already been consulted for the paper’s drafting, but people will now have a chance to make their suggestions before the Barwon Action Plan is finalised.

The upper Barwon, Leigh and Moorabool Rivers provide the majority of the drinking water for Geelong and Ballarat.

The rivers are home to over 300 species of birds, 22 species of fish, 17 reptile species, and over 50 species of mammals. This includes the platypus, for which the Barwon is a key location for.

The rivers of the Barwon cover six different shires, including the Surf Coast Shire and the City of Greater Geelong. There are also several planning and management groups with different roles and responsibilities surrounding the maintenance of the rivers.

Submissions are open until midnight on November 3.