Historic Barwon River aqueduct faces demolition over safety fears
Barwon Water has lodged plans to demolish a heritage-listed structure that has prevented public access to 66 hectares of riverside land for three decades. SEE THE VIDEO.
The demolition of a more than century-old structure that crosses the Barwon River and which has not been functional in more than 30 years is one step closer.
Barwon Water has formally applied to Heritage Victoria to bring down the 756m-long aqueduct in Breakwater despite a plea from history advocates for it to be allowed to “collapse in its due time”.
The public has been unable to access the area surrounding the aqueduct since 1995 due to fears it could collapse at any time.
An earlier plan to bring down four of the 14 spans – those directly above the river – was thwarted by significant flooding in 2022.
The aqueduct carried the Geelong outfall sewer across the Barwon River from 1915 to 1992, when it was decommissioned and replaced by a pipeline built under the river.
Barwon Water boss Shaun Cumming said the latest application was for the removal of all 14 towers and spans, something that would allow 66ha of land and water to re-open and potentially feature walking trails and viewing platforms.
“Making the area safe is the only way the community can again pursue a range of interests and experience the heritage and significance of the site,” he said.
“We are now committed to creatively recognising the aqueduct’s historical values and ensuring its contribution to the water industry is known to visitors and the wider community.”
As part of the plan to recognise its history, the stair landings at either end of the aqueduct and
pier bases located below each of the spans would be incorporated into the rehabilitated landscape.
Mr Cumming said opportunities to salvage segments of ovoid pipe, original concrete and reinforcing steel would also be explored.
After flagging in March its intention to demolish the structure, Barwon Water sought feedback on how to best recognise its historical significance – 114 responses were received via an online survey.
The proposed demolition angered some, including the Friends of Barwon River Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct group that was formed in 2020.
In March, David Beauchamp, of Engineering Heritage Victoria, accused Barwon Water of behaving like US president Donald Trump.
“Barwon Water has taken the Trump approach of giving an extreme position, saying that to preserve the heritage we need to demolish it all, which is a very strange position, I have to say,” he said.
If a permit is granted, Barwon Water would develop a detailed heritage interpretation plan that could include temporary events and activities to commemorate the aqueduct prior to
its demolition.
The aqueduct was designed by Edward Stone and Ernest Siddeley, with construction completed in 1915.
In 1991, a year before it was decommissioned, the aqueduct was added to the Victorian Heritage Register because of its architectural, historical, scientific and aesthetic significance.
More Coverage
Originally published as Historic Barwon River aqueduct faces demolition over safety fears
Child’s play? Mayor’s daughter slams ‘unsafe’ park
