Barwon Downs bores to be decommissioned

The former Barwon Downs borefield extraction bores are being decommissioned. Photo: SUPPLIED

BARWON Water has announced the former Barwon Downs borefield extraction bores are being decommissioned over the next few months.

The decommission works are expected to begin in November, with the bores last used in 2016.

The former Barwon Downs borefield was crucial during the millennium drought, when Geelong’s water supplies fell to 14 per cent.

Earlier this week, Barwon Downs managing director Shaun Cumming said the water authority was diversifying the region’s water supplies to reduce its reliance on rivers and groundwater.

“As our region grows and we experience more unpredictable conditions, we must deliver innovative, sustainable and affordable solutions, such as recycled water.

“The use of recycled water in applications like irrigation and industry means we can gradually return more water to the environment, helping to increase the resilience of our waterways.”

A Remediation and Environmental Protection Plan (REPP) was created to improve water flows, water quality, vegetation and ecology in Boundary Creek and Big Swamp.

The REPP’s 2023-24 Annual Report notes the progress Barwon Water has made, with aims achieved at a number of individual locations.

“The remediation works are tracking well, with a number of targets met and others well on the way,” Mr Cumming said.

“Pleasingly, our extensive monitoring shows that currently no contingency measures are required to maintain this progress.”

Barwon Water states the long-term recovery and re-pressurisation of the Lower Tertiary Aquifer system is still providing good results.

13 of 15 groundwater monitoring bores installed within the Big Swamps Upper Aquifer system met or exceeded their water level target.

“Reference group members have had a strong influence on the remediation process, and we’re excited to continue working with them as we deliver further improvements in the natural environment,” Mr Cumming said.

Mr Cumming thanked the community members and stakeholders who had contributed to the development and implementation of the REPP.