Work begins on weir to tap Otways water

MICHELLE HERBISON
WORK has begun on an Otways weir to pump extra water into Geelong’s supply.
Barwon Water capital projects manager Paul Northey said Dewings Creek would supply Geelong with an extra 600 million litres of water a year.
The additional water would satisfy about two per cent of existing annual demand, he said.
The Independent reported in June 2010 that Barwon Water had scheduled the weir to begin operating by mid-2011.
But the authority told the Independent last month that heavy rain had delayed the project.
Mr Northey said the project would replace an existing weir decommissioned more than 50 years ago.
The project would divert “excess flows” from the creek to the Wurdee Buloc Reservoir’s inlet channel, he said.
“The concrete weir is approximately two metres high and five metres wide and will allow excess water to pool and be diverted to the inlet channel.”
Mr Northey said Barwon Water would take the water following heavy rain.
“Harvesting will occur when flows are above the required environmental flow, which is one megalitre a day.”
Mr Northey said Barwon Water had a State Government bulk entitlement to harvest water from Dewings Creek.
Greens state MP Greg Barber criticised the project.
“Barwon Water has a very lazy approach to water management. The cost of this project is going to be added to your bill.
“They are not in the business of saving you money.”
Mr Barber said the Dewings Creek project would add to “stress” on the Barwon River.
“We’ll be left with just a trickle.”
Mr Barber said curbing demand was a better option.
“Thousands of megalitres are landing on Geelong’s roofs every year. They can’t keep capping more and more creeks as Geelong grows.”
Mr Barber suggested State Government should invest in subsidies for conservation initiatives like tanks and efficient showerheads.
“Saving water is cheaper than tapping new water and easier to roll out,” he said.
“It’s time they came up with a sustainable water strategy around stormwater capture and water reuse.”