Future Geelong: Barwon Water boss Shaun Cumming says future housing development could be net water exporters

Contrary to popular thought, future housing developments in Geelong have the potential to boost the region’s water supply, rather than diminish it.

Capturing the maximum amount of stormwater and using it productively is a key focus of Barwon Water.

As Geelong prepares for major growth in the coming decades, innovative infrastructure solutions are required to minimising any environmental impact.

Water management is central to the expected population boom, which is why Barwon Water is working in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong and a range of other stakeholders to maximise sustainability through integrated water management (IWM).

IWM is defined by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action as a holistic and collaborative approach to the way we plan for and manage all elements of the water cycle.

“It fundamentally shifts the way water, land use planning and urban development opportunities are understood and undertaken in Victoria,” its website states.

“In a time of climate change and increasing urbanisation, it’s vital we work together to consider all water sources to service the community.”

Housing developments in Geelong’s north and west are in the long-term expected to result in 40,000 new residential lots that will be home to an estimated 110,000 residents, which Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming said provided an exciting opportunity to innovate and collaborate.

Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming.

Contrary to popular thought, Mr Cumming said the developments had the potential to boost the region’s water supply, rather than diminish it.

“By capturing local stormwater and sewerage for treatment and reuse, the growth areas could become net water exporters and protect sensitive environments such as RAMSAR-listed wetlands and the Barwon and Moorabool rivers, which hold significant value for Wadawurrung traditional owners,” he said.

Capture and reuse has several benefits, including increasing resilience to water shortages, maintaining water in the environment, and helping to create greener, cooler neighbourhoods.

Barwon Water last year received state government funding of $150,000 to assist with the design of stormwater harvesting in Geelong’s growth areas.

Mr Cumming said sustainability and partnership creation were front of mind for Barwon Water as it played an important role in planning for new greenfield developments.

“The potential is there to capture and treat stormwater and sewerage from these big estates and put it to productive reuse, either as Class A recycled water in homes, irrigation, or recycled water for production of hydrogen in the transition to a new economy,” he said.

Barwon Water has signed on to provide recycled water for Viva Energy’s soon to be built hydrogen refuelling station at the entry to its Corio refinery.

Mr Cumming said IWM built on Geelong’s reputation for design as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

“This initiative positions water as the enabler of clever and creative neighbourhoods, fostering environmental, economic, and community wellbeing,” he said.

“Investing in water-enabled green and blue infrastructure promotes physical and mental wellbeing, offering cooler, healthier, and more attractive living environments.”

Mr Cumming said that the planning was in line with the organisation’s ambition to build regional prosperity.

“Our vision for the region’s future is for an inclusive community with opportunities for everyone,” he said.

“By partnering strategically to solve problems and unlock opportunities, we are focused on building a thriving community and a prosperous region.”

Future Geelong will culminate in an event at GMHBA Stadium on March 1, where Barwon Water chair Jo Plummer will take part in a panel discussion.

Shaun Cumming

In one word, describe what Geelong stands for:

Opportunity

Describe what you think Geelong should stand for:

Geelong will continue to be a place of innovation and creativity and a place that provides opportunity.

We’re in a great position to leverage our core strengths and be a world leader in circular, sustainable and smart economies.

Cutting-edge projects will create flow-on potential for many.

Two examples are the Regional Renewable Organics Network at Black Rock that will turn organic waste from our region into high value resources and the large-scale recycled water grid that will provide recycled water across our whole region as valuable inputs for industry, agribusiness and the future hydrogen economy.

Describe what differentiates Geelong from other regional cities:

Geelong has a unique combination of capabilities and character that positions us as a leading city on the world stage.

Our capabilities are broad and deep with the wisdom of traditional owners, our diverse cultural backgrounds and the mix of service, education, research and manufacturing industries.

Our character is defined by creativity, innovation, resilience, drive and care and we are grounded by the beautiful environment in which we live.

The ability and desire of our people, leaders and organisations to collaborate supercharges these capabilities and leverages our character to create new opportunities for all.

Originally published as Future Geelong: Barwon Water boss Shaun Cumming says future housing development could be net water exporters