Best use of water

Blueprint for region

INCREASING water security for coastal towns and creating botanic trails are key water priorities for the Geelong region.

Reusing recycled water and harvesting stormwater is on the agenda to help in peak population periods along the Great Ocean Road.

Agencies believe the initiatives are needed to address the medium-term threat to drinking water supply in towns such as Apollo Bay and Lorne.

A lack of sewerage services in towns such as Forrest and Inverleigh has also been deemed a challenge, due to the inability to service rising populations and the potential impacts of overflows.

The threats, challenges and planned works initiatives are laid out in a blueprint for the region, which has been crafted by the Barwon Integrated Water Management forum.

The draft strategy, which has had input from all G21 councils, was due to be endorsed by the City of Greater Geelong at a meeting last night.

One project being pursued is the creation of a continuous path from Geelong to Barwon Heads along the Barwon River.

The initiative aims to build on the existing trail network to offer a premier walking and cycling route along the river.

Multiple agencies — including the council, Barwon Water and Parks Victoria — are working to bring the project to fruition within five to 10 years.

A similar recreation trail is on the agenda in Colac.

The Botanic Link Pathway would connect the town’s major water assets of Lake Colac, Barongarook Creek and Beechy Precinct.

Barwon Water is also developing a plan to reuse 100 per cent of the water generated from its reclamation plants.

About 25 per cent is currently re-used at the 10 plants.