Traditional name for new community and environmental space

The environmental and community place planned for Barwon Water’s former Bellarine Basin at the corner of Grubb and Swan Bay roads in Wallington has a new name – Murrk Ngubitj Yarram Yaluk – meaning ‘head waters of continuous flowing river’ in Wadawurrung language.

The former basin, which is no longer used for operational purposes, sits at the headwaters of Yarram Creek. Yarram is a Wadawurrung word meaning continuously flowing.

The name aligns with works, already underway, to remove the basin and restore the headwaters of Yarram Creek, and is a symbol of Barwon Water’s commitment to work closely with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners on the project.

The earthworks form a key part of the project to transform the site into more than 30 hectares of environmental and public open space for the community to enjoy.

The name was recently agreed upon by the site’s agency advisory group, which includes Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Barwon Water, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and City of Greater Geelong.

Plans for the site support its cultural and environmental values, and Barwon Water’s commitment to open the land for public use and recreational purposes.

The Victorian Government is supporting the project through its Distinctive Areas and Landscapes program for the Bellarine, from which Barwon Water received $650,000 matched funding for the $1.3 million project.

Barwon Water will be undertaking further community engagement on the project over the next six months with a concept plan showing the proposed layout and activities for the site to become available soon. From early 2023, the site will be opened up and the community will be invited to help with ongoing revegetation activities.

Murrk Ngubitj Yarram Yaluk will become a place for the public to experience the unique and natural features of the Bellarine Peninsula; a place that people, birds and native animals can enjoy for generations to come.

We are pleased to see a name for this site that reflects Wadawurrung history of use by travellers going east to west to access fresh water.

— Wadawurrung Traditional owners Aboriginal Corporation Language Officer Stephanie Skinner

Caring for country and protecting the natural assets we all depend upon is becoming increasingly crucial, and we are proud to be taking such responsibility with the Bellarine Basin rehabilitation project.

Works at Murrk Ngubitj Yarram Yaluk - a new space with benefits to the environment and local community - will be carried out progressively and will involve observing and responding to the environment, to ensure we protect and enhance the ecological values of the site at each stage.

— Barwon Water Managing Director Tracey Slatter