Barwon Water’s new community presentations

Barwon Water community education officer Emma Holmes, right, provides a tour of the Black Rock Water Reclamation. (Supplied)

The Geelong community can now learn about what it takes for Barwon Water to provide secure water and sewerage services.

Barwon Water has expanded its education program to provide tours and presentations for community groups for people to visit some of the region’s reservoirs and treatment plants.

Guest speakers and free-guided tours for not-for-profit community groups will be available to discuss the challenges and opportunities of delivering a safe, secure and sustainable water future.

Customers, Community and Strategy general manager Laura Kendall, said the organisation was excited to provide people with more lifelong learning opportunities.

“We’re keen to support our community to understand how we can work together to ensure our region is resilient to key challenges such as climate change and population growth,” she said.

“These tours and talks are in addition to Barwon Water’s long-standing, comprehensive education program for teachers and students which has engaged with 1,725 students so far this year.”

Ms Kendall said a long-term shift towards a hotter and drier climate and warnings about possible upcoming El Niño conditions inspired community interest in the region’s water future.

A range of tours are available, including some within a 30-minute drive from central Geelong, like the Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant in Connewarre.

Bookings for the community and schools’ education programs are essential and can be made by contacting Barwon Water community education officer Emma Holmes at 1300 656 007 or Education@barwonwater.vic.gov.au