Future Geelong: An alternative water grid could unlock Geelong’s economic potential

Our region’s water supply is insecure with drying rivers and scarce rainfall. Barwon Water has a bold plan that could help Geelong thrive. SEE THE PLAN

Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming has a bold plan for Geelong’s future.

Homeowners, small business operators, and local environmental groups are just a few of those that would benefit from a cutting-edge water project being spearheaded right here in Geelong.

A sustainable and secure future is front of mind at Barwon Water as work continues on the design and feasibility of a large-scale alternative water grid.

Our rivers are drying, warmer conditions are pushing rain out to sea and massive population growth is making water more scarce.

Inflows to catchments in the region have seen between a 30-50 per cent drop in the last 20 years and that is expected to halve again over the next four decades.

The alternative water grid would distribute large volumes of recycled water and treated stormwater, which would then be used for non-drinking uses across the region.

It would support the development of new housing, agriculture and horticulture businesses and industrial ventures, all while promoting a cleaner environment.

Barwon Water’s managing director Shaun Cumming said the grid would maximise the use of recycled water, bolstering the region’s prosperity.

“With the alternative water grid, we can divert this water at scale to other parts of our region, to help flush toilets, grow gardens, irrigate community spaces and sport fields, and support industries,” he said.

The project starts at Barwon Water’s Black Rock precinct in Connewarre, where recycled water, renewable energy and organic fertilisers are created from wastewater.

But 26 billion litres of recycled water is still sent out to sea locally, and Barwon Water wants to change that.

The organisation has the bold aim of converting all of its wastewater and much of its stormwater into valuable resources.

Mr Cumming said it was an “untapped resource” that could support industry, homes and communities across the wider Geelong region.

The alternative water grid would support a range of projects across multiple stages.

A water recycling facility in the northwest would produce recycled water in new growth areas of Geelong.

A recycled water pipeline between the Northern Water Plant in Corio and the Avalon Employment Precinct would free up drinking water for other uses.

Up to 1500 megalitres of stormwater and recycled water could help protect the Karaaf wetlands and support the Surf Coast.

Water-intensive, future-forward industries like data centres and hydrogen production could accelerate their growth with water from the grid.

Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming at a 2024 Future Geelong event. Picture: Alan Barber

The alternative water grid is only part of the Barwon Water’s vision for the future.

In 2022, the organisation released a strategic directions statement that identified 19 priorities for integrated water management (IWM) in the region.

These IWM initiatives would link to, and be enhanced by, the alternative water grid.

This includes in the growth areas of north and west Geelong and the Surf Coast hinterland agricultural area.

The state government has already invested almost $3m through the IWM program, for planning and research to inform its development.

Committee for Geelong chief executive Michael Johnston views water security as a pressing issue and the alternative water grid would ensure water was accessible and sustainable for future generations.

“This is the ultimate enabling infrastructure for our city and region’s growth,” he said.

“Not just to service our growing population, but to enable economic growth and support industry.

“This is particularly the case in manufacturing, agribusiness and supporting our growing employment precincts like Avalon.”

Geelong council also recognises the social, economic and environmental potential of the project.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj described it as “essential infrastructure” that could create employment and support healthy waterways.

“Water security is integral to the health of our growing population and this project would help alleviate pressures on our water supply while unlocking investment in new housing, manufacturing, farming and other agricultural practices,” he said.

Mr Kontelj said the grid aligned with federal government policy and council was asking for its support for the design of the project and to develop a business case.

Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj, G21 chief executive Giulia Baggio and Committee for Geelong boss Michael Johnston are big supporters Barwon Water’s alternative water grid.

G21 is also advocating for federal investment in the design of the water grid, after the organisation recently listed water security as one of its three priority areas.

It has made individual funding requests for three alternative water grid projects: $12m for the Karaaf wetlands and Surf Coast hinterland; $7.5m for design of the North West recycling facility; and $500,000 to develop a business case for recycled water in northern Geelong.

Mr Cumming said with a drier climate and increasing water scarcity, the alternative water grid was a project looking towards the future.

“This will help unlock new jobs and economic opportunities, while saving precious drinking water,” he said.

Originally published as Future Geelong: An alternative water grid could unlock Geelong’s economic potential