The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is inviting all recreational water users to have their say on new rules for the Barwon River.
Corangamite CMA has released its draft waterway rules for the Barwon Through Geelong and this week began a public consultation period, which will run for four weeks from Wednesday, February 7 until Wednesday, March 6.
The draft rules, which cover use of the river from Orana Road to the Lower Breakwater, were developed in consultation with user groups of the Barwon and key agency stakeholders.
The CMA decided to review the waterway rules due to Barwon Water’s Porronggitj Karrong project, which will include the removal of four of the 14 spans of the decommissioned Ovoid Sewer aqueduct in Breakwater.
Due to safety risks posed by the deteriorating structure, the area around the aqueduct has been closed to the public since 1995.
However, the removal of the spans will once again allow for public access, requiring updates to sections of the river rules.
Given the rules have not been reviewed in over 30 years, Corangamite CMA said they were taking the opportunity to review rules for the entire stretch from Orana Road to Lower Breakwater.
Corangamite CMA’s general manager of community and catchment services Sarah Holland Clift said the rules were designed around a number of guiding principles.
“Through this public consultation process, we aim to consider the perspectives of all river users and establish new rules that accommodate a wide range of recreational activities,” she said.
“The aim of any rule changes is to foster greater inclusivity and safety for all water users, enabling a broader range of individuals to enjoy the Barwon River.”
Go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/K3WSJYF to view the draft rules and to provide feedback.
