Barwon Water has launched Apollo Bay: Water, Your Say, which will create a long-term plan for the area’s water supply options.
General Manager Planning, Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher said the Apollo Bay: Water, Your Say program would initially focus on better understanding local insights and priorities across Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek.
“We’re encouraging people who wish to contribute to Apollo Bay’s water future to come and talk to us at one of our community pop-ups or to fill out our survey,” Mr Butcher said.
“The feedback will help us address key values that the community shares, and plan for long-term water security, affordability, climate resilience and a healthy environment.”
This summer is an example of the need for climate resilience into the future, with Apollo Bay experiencing its third driest October to January period in 50 years.
This has reduced storage levels to below 50 per cent capacity, when at the same time last year, they were almost full.
Barwon Water is closely monitoring storage levels and long-range weather forecasts, to see if the extreme dry conditions will continue and if there is a need to respond with water restrictions.
Throughout this year and into 2026, Barwon Water will explore community priorities, concerns and ideas on a sustainable water future – and flesh out what a thriving Apollo Bay looks like.
“We’re committed to working with key stakeholders and community to plan a sustainable and resilient future by sharing knowledge and local insights, priorities and values,” Mr Butcher said.
A similar program is already underway in Lorne, with a Community Working Group established in 2023 to inform the development of Lorne: Water, Your Say.
These initiatives are in line with Barwon Water’s 2022 Urban Water Strategy: Water for our Future strategy.
The survey is open until Friday 21 March 2025. To access the survey and view more information on the project, please visit www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/apollo-bay-hub
