A century-old Geelong icon of engineering will soon cease to exist after extensive investigations into its conservation concluded its collapse was unavoidable.
The Barwon River Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct, constructed between 1912 and 1915, runs from Barwon Water’s Asset Solutions head office in Breakwater across the Barwon River, terminating on private property.
The 756m-long, 53m-tall concrete and steel structure has been falling apart for the last 20 years, with falling concrete posing a serious danger and contractors refusing to continue maintenance since the early 90s.
After years of investigations, Barwon Water announced on Wednesday (March 12) the aqueduct could not be safely maintained and its structural failure was unavoidable.
Managing director Shaun Cumming said the decision had been several years in the making.
“We have explored all avenues, with a range of experts,” Mr Cumming said.
“Unfortunately, there is no safe way to complete conservation works on the aqueduct, with any option for propping unable to prevent the eventual failing of the structure.”
Added to the Victorian Heritage Register in 1991 for its architectural, historical, scientific and aesthetic significance, the aqueduct was decommissioned a year later when a new sewer pipeline was built under the river.
The land surrounding the deteriorating structure has been closed to the public since 1995.
The aqueduct’s existing Heritage Victoria permit allows for four of its 14 spans to be removed, with the remaining 10 to be conserved and maintained.
However, Barwon Water intends to develop a new Heritage Interpretation Plan (HIP) and apply for a permit allowing almost all of the structure to be deconstructed.
Mr Cumming said Barwon Water would work collaboratively with the Community Reference Group, a body formed from heritage, environmental and cultural stakeholders in 2021, to develop the HIP, as well as seeking input from the broader community through public engagement.
The plan will also support the work being done in partnership between Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Barwon Water to rehabilitate a 66-hectare stretch of the river plain known as Porronggitj Karrong, or ‘place of the Brolga’.
“Community and worker safety is our top priority, and this new way forward removes many ongoing risks that the deteriorating structure poses to the public,” Mr Cumming said.
“This is the safest remaining option that also provides the best heritage outcome.”
