Water works at Bellbrae PS start soon

BARWON Water is about to begin work to upgrade the water and sewerage services at Bellbrae Primary School as part of the Victorian government’s major redevelopment of the school.

The Victorian government is providing $9.1 million in funding to modernise the school, creating new gym facilities, open learning spaces, and oval improvements, and $2.925 million for the school’s existing rainwater tank and septic system to be switched over to Barwon Water’s network.

Barwon Water managing director Tracey Slatter said she was pleased the water corporation was able to help on such an important project and was looking forward to work beginning soon.

“Works are scheduled to start in January next year and be completed by mid-2022.

“Works will take place at Bellbrae Primary School, as well along sections of road in Bellbrae and Jan Juc.”

There will be some altered traffic conditions during works, including:

• Partial lane closures on School Road, Bellbrae, between Bellbrae Primary School and Cemetery Road during January 2022
• Partial lane closures on Cemetery Road, Bellbrae, between the Great Ocean Road and School Road during January and early February 2022
• Cemetery Road will be closed to all traffic entering from the Great Ocean Road during this time. Access for local traffic will be via School Road, and
• Great Ocean Road service road in Bellbrae/Jan Juc will be closed between late January 2022 and May 2022. Local traffic and emergency vehicles will have access at all times.

Signage, detours, speed reduction zones and traffic management will be in place to ensure the safe and efficient movement of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.

“Please allow extra time to complete your journey safely. We will keep our project web page updated with any changes to road closures and dates,” Ms Slatter said.

She thanked the community for their patience and understanding while works were completed.

The scope for this Victorian government-funded project only includes connecting the school to water and sewerage services.

The Surf Coast Shire has confirmed that there are no major issues with existing on-site water and wastewater management systems for Bellbrae residents or any planned development or growth for Bellbrae that suggests the need for reticulated services. As a result, there is no plan to separately connect the broader rural township to Barwon Water’s services.