FIX OTWAYS WATERWAYS

Neville wades in on water quality

WATER Minister Lisa Neville has intervened to protect the health of waterways in the Otway region, demanding Barwon Water repair the environmental damage of past works.

Ms Neville, through Southern Rural Water (SRW), has requested Barwon Water and DELWP prepare a legally enforceable remediation plan to improve and protect key waterways impacted by past groundwater extraction.

She is also requesting an independent assessment of Barwon Water’s licence renewal application to conduct the works, and a review to determine whether further extraction is sustainable.

The action follows findings that past works have affected pH conditions in Boundary Creek.

While groundwater extraction to supplement supply hasn’t been undertaken in the borefield in two years, the envi- ronmental impact from past works remains.

Until the assessment and remediation work detailed in the plan have been completed, Barwon Water has been ordered to stop extraction activities other than for maintenance or emergency purposes.

The announcement affects waterways such as the Big Swamp, Boundary Creek and Barwon River between Boundary Creek and Winchelsea and important groundwater reserves.

Ms Neville said the maintenance of waterways was vital for the community and the environment.

“I’ve placed strict requirements on Barwon Water’s li- cence renewal process and I expect them to be complied with,” she said.

“I will ensure the health of our local waterways is prioritised, and that locals are kept well-informed on the development of the remediation plan.”

Barwon Water managing director Tracey Slatter said she welcomed the direction from Ms Neville, adding that it legally enshrines the organisation’s intention to remediate Boundary Creek and Big Swamp as part of its application to SRW to renew the Barwon Downs borefield licence.

“We are also committed to working closely with the local community, key agencies and technical experts in the years ahead as we work towards achieving this,” she said.

“We have been consulting with the community and key stakeholders to help Barwon Water design the remediation plan.”

SRW is set to establish a community reference group to provide input.

“I will ensure the health of our local waterways is prioritised.” WATER MINISTER L I SA NEVILLE