Barwon Water to dismantle 110-year-old aqueduct

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 Geelong outfall sewer across the Barwon River from 1915 to 1992, before being decommissioned and replaced by a pipeline under the river.

Falling concrete and other safety risks saw the surrounding land and river close to the public in 1995.

The permit issued in November 2020 allowed for four spans of the aqueduct to be removed, with the remaining 10 spans to be conserved.

Barwon Water stated the aquaduct’s eventual failure was now unavoidable and it could not be safely maintained even if structural propping was installed.

Managing director Shuan Cumming all avenues had been covered to determine the safest way to move forward.

“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.

“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.”

“This is the safest remaining option that also provides the best heritage outcome.”

A Heritage Interpretation Plan (HIP) will be developed for the aqueduct, focusing on the historic, scientific, aesthetic and architectural significant of the structure.

The application may include the retention of parts if safe to do so, subject to do the HIP.

A community reference group and public consultation will hold with the broader community on best steps forward.

While access under the structure remains prohibited, the proposed plans will enable people to move freely on land and river.