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Barwon River through Geelong - Recreational Area Management Plan

Background

As the waterway manager for the Barwon River through Geelong, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is responsible for managing a 20km stretch of the river between Orana Road, Highton and the Lower Breakwater (just upstream of Lake Connewarre). This includes various river reserves, downstream from the Queens Park Road bridge, Highton.

Historically, Corangamite CMA has managed recreation on the Barwon River through Geelong under By-Law No 2, Barwon River sections 160 and 219. This By-Law has now expired, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has developed the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023. These apply to water recreational areas identified under the Water Act 1989 (Vic) including the Barwon River, managed by Corangamite CMA.

A key feature of the regulations is a requirement for water corporations and catchment management authorities to develop management plans for recreational areas under their management.

As such, Corangamite CMA has drafted a Barwon River through Geelong Recreational Area Management Plan (RAMP) The draft plan has been developed in consultation with Traditional Owners, relevant agencies and the Barwon River User Group. It is now available for consultation and review by the general public.


The public consultation period will open from 9am Thursday 2 October, 2025 to 5pm Friday 24 October, 2025
1.Are there any on-land activities that you feel are missing from the Barwon Recreational Area Management Plan to enhance recreational outcomes or improve accessibility?(Required.)
2.Are there any activities that are included in the Barwon Recreational Area Management Plan that you feel should be excluded to enhance recreational outcomes or improve accessibility?(Required.)
3.Do you have any other comments or suggestions you’d like to make regarding land-based recreational activities along the Barwon Through Geelong.(Required.)
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Recreational Area Management Plan?
A Recreational Area Management Plan is a comprehensive document that outlines how a public area, in this case the Barwon River through Geelong, is to be sustainably managed and protected for public enjoyment. It defines permitted activities, ensures water quality and environmental protection, protects facilities and cultural heritage values, and promotes public safety along the land-based area of the waterway.

The key purpose of a Recreational Area Management Plan is to:

1. Protect infrastructure and facilities from damage or misuse associated with recreational activities

2. Conserve and preserve environmental values including flora, fauna and habitat in the area

3. Support safe and enjoyable recreation for the community

4. Protect and promote Aboriginal cultural heritage and Aboriginal intangible heritage in the area, and ensure Traditional Owner rights and interests are considered in management decisions

5. Protect and promote any other heritage features in the area

Why is a RAMP being prepared for the Barwon Through Geelong?
The Recreational Area Management Plan is required by the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023, aligned with the Water Act 1989. These regulations replace the By-Law No 2 Barwon River.

The Recreational Area Management Plan must also include Traditional Owner rights and aspirations.

Which areas of the Barwon River does the RAMP apply to?
This Recreational Area Management Plan applies to the land managed by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority along the section of the Barwon River through Geelong which runs from Queens Park Road bridge Highton in the north, down to Gundog Lane (at the Breakwater) in the south.

What does the RAMP regulate?
The Recreational Area Management Plan regulates the recreational activities, and associated facilities, that are permitted on the land managed by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority along the section of the Barwon River through Geelong.
How is the RAMP different to other documents/legislation?
The Recreational Area Management Plan regulates land-based recreation only and seeks to balance recreation with environmental protection, cultural heritage, water quality and public safety.

The Corangamite CMA has other related management responsibilities for the Barwon River through Geelong that are not subject to the Recreational Area Management Plan. This includes management of the Barwon River between Orana Road and the lower breakwater. Regulation of on-water activities (such as boating and water skiing) is provided for under the Marine Safety Act 2010 to ensure safe and equitable use of the River. The Corangamite CMA is also responsible for the management of Algal Blooms under the Algal Management Framework: Victorian Blue Green Algae Circular.

The Barwon through Geelong Management Plan 2007 is a plan for the on-ground management of existing assets (recreational and environmental) and is an operational guide to future investment in infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.

What happens if there is a Blue Green Algae outbreak?
Event organisers are required to submit a Water Quality Risk Management Plan as part of their event application. This plan must include specific controls and response actions for blue-green algae (BGA) outbreaks in accordance with the Victorian Blue-Green Algae Circular, and the thresholds outlined in the Victorian Blue-Green Algae Circular – Triggers for Recreational Water Bodies.

Any permit issued for recreational events and activities will include a condition that enables the temporary closure of the recreational area and the cancellation of the event permit, in accordance with Part 3 and 4 of the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023.