Barwon Water is seeking feedback on a concept plan to transform and restore the headwaters of Yarram Creek in Wallington.
The Murrk Ngubitj Yarram Yaluk (‘headwaters of continuous flowing river’) concept plan started stage three of the site’s community engagement process on April 28.
Managing director Tracey Slatter said the $1.3-million project included 30 hectares of environmental and public open space created at Barwon Water’s former Bellarine Basin site.
“Plans for the site support its cultural and environmental values, and Barwon Water’s commitment to open the land for public use and recreational purposes,” she said.
“Following extensive Traditional Owner, community and key stakeholder engagement, we have developed a draft concept plan for Murrk Ngubitj Yarram Yaluk to demonstrate what the layout and site activities could look like.”
Ms Slatter said she looked forward to working with the community to re-purpose the former Bellarine Basin on the corner of Grubb and Swan Bay Road, which was no longer used for operational purposes.
“We are committed to applying a Caring for Country approach to our land and waterways in partnership with Traditional Owners, other agencies and community members,” she said.
“This has been developed in collaboration with our agency advisory group – which includes Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Department of Energy, Environment, Climate Action, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and City of Greater Geelong.”
Ms Slatter said key elements of the concept plan included space for diversity, walking trails, bird hides, gathering and picnic spaces, quiet spaces, lookout points, public toilets, an environmental and cultural education centre, and a car park.
The Bellarine community can provide feedback on Barwon Water’s Murrk Ngubitj Yarram Yaluk concept plan at www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/bellarine-basin by Wednesday, May 10.
