Surf Coast desal idea for future water challenges

DESALINATION plants at Lorne and Apollo Bay could play a key role in securing the region’s water supply future according to a new management plan.

Barwon Water has released its 2022 Urban Water Strategy – Water for Our Future, which outlines a 50-year outlook and plan for the Geelong, Surf Coast and Otways region to ensure safe and reliable water sources.

A long-term goal of the Barwon Water strategy included establishing “small, local desalination [plants] connected to existing water infrastructure”, to ensure more water is available for the coastal systems.

For Lorne, other ideas floated in the report included establishing a pipeline between Aireys Inlet and Lorne, new river diversions and increasing capacity of the main reservoir at Allen Dam.

The report also hinted at improving off-stream storage and establishing supply from Otways reservoirs West Barwon or West Gellibrand for Apollo Bay. Short-term projects included further engagement with community members and groups, improving efficiency in existing water systems and working with local councils.

The initiatives are aimed at tackling the dual threat of increased growth and climate change that is projected to add pressure to existing water supplies.

Barwon Water chair Jo Plummer said the strategy was part of a broader push towards “manufactured water” in the coming decades, which also included exploring recycled and storm water use.

“Like elsewhere, our region is being impacted significantly by climate change,” Ms Plummer’s foreword stated.

“This means over the next 50 years we will gradually transition to climate resilient sources of water.”

Overall, the report found that the region would require a further 53 gigalitres a year under worst-case modelling, and more to meet environmental and cultural values.

Current water supplies would also come under stress by 2027 for Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast without intervention, according to the worst-case scenario.

Victorian Water Minister Harriet Shing approved the water strategy last month, following a two-year community engagement process form the regional water authority.