Have your say on Basin’s new uses

BARWON Water is set to launch the next round of community engagement on its Bellarine Basin Yarram Creek project, collaborating with residents on developing a list of preferred uses and activities for the rejuvenated area.

The open-air Bellarine Basin was the main balancing storage for drinking water for customers across the Bellarine Peninsula.

It was used from the 1930s until it was decommissioned in 2011 following supply system upgrades that meant it was no longer viable for operational purposes.

The project began in April 2021, with Barwon Water working to transform the site into more than 30 hectares of environmental and public open space.

The rehabilitation project will be delivered in stages and the site should be open to the public in 2023.

Barwon Water managing director Tracey Slatter said the water corporation was again looking forward to working with the community on the project, in which protecting native flora and fauna was a key priority.

“Protecting and enhancing the local environment underpins the draft vision and principles for the site renewal presented to the community,”

Ms Slatter said. She encouraged community members to now offer feedback on the activities and uses they would like to see available at the Bellarine Basin site.

While working with the community to design a concept plan for the area, Barwon Water will be continue to undertake works to rehabilitate the site and restore the natural path of Yarram Creek, including removal of the old water basin and realignment of the creek.

The pine tree plantation at the site, which contains trees that are nearing the end of their productive life, are being replaced in stages with indigenous plants.