Barwon Water has engaged with thousands of people regarding the Water for Our Future project to determine their thoughts and insights.
They have identified that the community values water because it supports the health and wellbeing of people, the environment and open spaces. Importantly, community members saw a future where water comes from a range of different sources and identified that it is imperative that we continue to use water wisely.
Next, a Community Panel will help inform an Urban Water Strategy, a 50-year plan for ensuring a reliable, sustainable and affordable water future for everyone.
The Barwon River Parklands project continues to excite. A G21 Priority Project under the ‘Adventure Trails’ project, this initiative aims to increase public access to the unique environmental, cultural, and recreational values of the Barwon and Moorabool Rivers. It extends from the Moorabool River at Meredith, through to the Barwon River in Geelong and onto Barwon Heads
Recent stay-at-home restrictions have highlighted more than ever the vital importance of access to open spaces and nature to community health and wellbeing, and this project embodies that. The partners of the initiative now seek funding to develop a Master plan, which will identify and prioritise the collective opportunities to achieve its vision.
The Pillar adopted a new project during the year. In an Australian first, two Renewable Organic Networks in the region will transform organic municipal and trade organic waste into energy and by-products, such as soil enhancers for agricultural purposes.
One facility is being built at Barwon Water’s Colac Water Reclamation Plant, while the other is under development for the greater Geelong area. The projects are being delivered by Barwon Water to create a circular economy for the region’s organic waste.
The Pillar has been holding ‘themed’ meetings to help members understand what action is being undertaken regionally. This year waste recovery and climate change have featured.
From G21’s Report to the Region 2020