Final call for Lorne working group

EXPRESSIONS of interest are now closing for a community working group aimed at creating a more reliable and sustainable water future for Lorne.

Barwon Water put the call out to residents, businesses, community and environmental groups to join the Lorne: Water, Your Say Community Working Group, earlier this month with applications now closing at 5pm today (Friday, August 25).

“The working group will explore a variety of topics including Lorne’s water security challenges, recommend future water supply options, waterway and river health (St George River) and sustainable water use to ensure community values and expectations are incorporated along the way,” Barwon Water said in a statement.

The program was first announced in late May, with a number of information sessions being held throughout June.

The formation of the community group will form phase two of the four-part plan set out by Barwon Water.

On the importance of the program, Barwon Water managing director Tracey Slatter said Lorne, as a popular tourism destination, attracted large numbers of visitors every year, creating a variety of challenges and opportunities for the town.

“Our role is to ensure the continuation of high quality, reliable water and sewerage services for these influxes, while also supporting key opportunities for Lorne’s permanent residents,” she said.

“Our aim is to work together with the community to plan for water security, climate change mitigation, affordability, environmental preservation and any other key values that community members highlight to us.”

As part of its Urban Water Strategy 2022: Water for our Future, Barwon Water has committed to ongoing community consultations to gather feedback about Lorne’s future water supply options.

For your chance to be a part of the community working group, head to the Barwon Water website before 5pm.