‘Best heritage outcome’: Barwon Water ovoid sewer aqueduct to be dismantled

A structure that once played a key role in transporting Geelong’s sewage must completely come down due to the safety risk it poses. VIDEO.

A structure built 110 years ago to carry sewage over the Barwon River presents such a significant safety risk that it must be completely dismantled.

Barwon Water’s heritage-listed, 756m long aqueduct in Breakwater was decommissioned in 1992 and despite efforts to avoid its deconstruction, chief executive Shaun Cumming said the organisation now had no other option.

“Unfortunately, there is no safe way to complete conservation works on the aqueduct, with any option for propping unable to prevent the eventual failing of the structure,” he said.

“Community and worker safety is our top priority, and this new way forward removes many ongoing risks that the deteriorating structure poses to the public.

“This is the safest remaining option that also provides the best heritage outcome.”

The move is likely to prompt a fierce backlash from heritage groups, notably the Friends of Barwon River Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct.

The group was formed in May 2020 after Barwon Water applied to Heritage Victoria to have four of the 14 aqueduct spans – those directly above the river – removed to allow public usage of the river.

The aqueduct pictured in 2020. Picture: Peter Ristevski.

The permit was approved later that year, however, the spans remain after severe flooding in 2022 delayed works.

Barwon Water has since has determined that the requirements of the existing permit cannot be met safely and the aqueduct’s eventual failure is unavoidable, even if structural propping was installed, which it can’t be due to the safety risk.

A Heritage Interpretation Plan will now be developed by Barwon Water, focusing on the aqueduct’s “historic, scientific, aesthetic and architectural significance”.

The application could include the retention of parts at either end of the structure and pier bases.

The aqueduct pictured in 2017. Picture: Mike Dugdale.

In developing the HIP, Barwon Water will work with an existing community reference group that has been providing input into the project since 2021.

Members include traditional owners and heritage representatives.

Public consultation involving the broader community will also form part of the process.

It is hoped the application will be submitted within 12 months.

The aqueduct divides 66ha of Barwon Water-owned land, and as part of a plan to make the area safe, the organisation wants to create a new public open space.

This would include a network of walking paths and other environmentally friendly offerings.

It would also mean kayakers would be able to paddle from Buckley Falls to Barwon Heads for the first time in three decades.

A historical photo of the aqueduct with the Barwon River in flood.

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.

In 1995, safety risks caused by falling concrete and potential for collapse lead to the river at the site and the surrounding area being closed to the public.

Originally published as ‘Best heritage outcome’: Barwon Water ovoid sewer aqueduct to be dismantled