As Forrest continues to grow, visitors continue to flow. However, the infrastructure, especially sewerage cannot cope. Hence the community engaged with the Barwon Water and the Colac Otway Shire Council to amend the situation.
After a series of meetings with Barwon Water, Colac Otway Shire Council representatives and Councillors, Barwon Water has committed $100,000 for the investigation and also Colac Otway Shire Council has committed $20,000.
A variety of methods is used to treat sewage in Forrest township. Septic tanks and sand filters constitute the dominant types.
There are a number of public health, environmental and economic impacts from septic systems and this project aims to identify ways to move away from individual units to a centrally managed sewered system.
A public meeting will be held in July at the Forrest Public Hall. This meeting will involve the community, Colac Otway Shire Council and Barwon Water.
Details will emerge in coming weeks.
Nasser Kotb
Forrest Wastewater Work Group
forrest.ww.group@gmail.com
