Geelong Environment Council Inc.

19/08/2026

Amazing!! Spring creek is being protected
What an incredible amount of work from the community to make this happen.
🍃🌿🪴🌱🌿🌿🌿🍃

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1LnhNxHZfH/?mibextid=wwXIfr

17/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Jg5SbxowZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Southern Rural Water has knocked back a 10-year plan from mining company Alcoa to extract 1500 megalitres of groundwater a year, to pump into its former mine pit at Anglesea.

Local environmentalists have been pushing for the plan to be dumped since 2024.

They believe repeated fish kills in the Anglesea River may be linked to Alcoa's pumping of groundwater during its operation of the town’s open-cut coal mine and power station from 1969 to 2016.

In its decision, Southern Rural Water said granting the licence may pose an increased risk of acid generation and no-flow days in the Anglesea River and estuary.

The water regulator’s Managing Director Scott Cornish said the mine pit is projected to fill itself naturally by 2052.

“The benefits of a rapid fill are limited when compared to the potential risks of the extraction of groundwater,” he said.

Alcoa issued a statement saying its past groundwater extraction “has not had any significant impact on acid generation levels in surface water.”

“We are therefore not clear on what led to this reasoning,” the statement reads.

It says letting the Anglesea Mine void fill naturally will take too long which will not meet community expectations.

Keith Shipton from Friends of the Anglesea River says he's overwhelmed with the decision.

"It's a combination of surprise and delight really. It's been a 5-6 year struggle. I just want to thank everyone who's been involved. It's been a joint effort from an educated, switched on community," he said.

10/07/2026

Some great events being held by SCEG - Saving spring creek valley - check it out and be inspired !

SCEG runs events, planting days and environmental film series. Take part in fun community events where we celebrate environmental stories, protect our coast and hinterland and showcase local initiatives.

01/07/2026

Barwon Water is hosting a commemorative community event for the Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the structure’s history, condition and future. The event will be held on Saturday 1 August, from 10 am to 2 pm, with activities based at the Barwon Asset Solutions (BAS) Depot, 18 Kadak Place, Breakwater. Community members can book a guided bus tour to view the Aqueduct up close or visit a free onsite information and display area at the depot, featuring historical material, project information, and opportunities to speak with staff. The event is part of Barwon Water’s commitment to recognising the Aqueduct’s heritage while preparing for its safe removal.

Join us to commemorate the Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the Aqueduct, and learn more about the future plans for the site.

01/07/2026

“Barwon Water is hosting a commemorative community event for the Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the structure’s history, condition and future. The event will be held on Saturday 1 August, from 10 am to 2 pm, with activities based at the Barwon Asset Solutions (BAS) Depot, 18 Kadak Place, Breakwater. Community members can book a guided bus tour to view the Aqueduct up close or visit a free onsite information and display area at the depot, featuring historical material, project information, and opportunities to speak with staff. The event is part of Barwon Water’s commitment to recognising the Aqueduct’s heritage while preparing for its safe removal.

Join us to commemorate the Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the Aqueduct, and learn more about the future plans for the site.

29/06/2026

The Geelong Environment Council is offering nature-focused grants up to $7,000 for revegetation and up to $500 for volunteer equipment or environmental activities in the Geelong and Otway regions.
Projects must focus on on-ground environmental protection, excluding wages and operational costs.
Applications close July 3, 2026, with winners announced September 1, 2026. Projects must finish by October 1, 2027, and acquittals are due November 1, 2027.
Email Jan at [email protected] to apply.

26/05/2026

🚨 Protect Port Phillip Bay! 🌊

Vopak's new floating gas terminal proposal threatens Victoria’s prized marine environment. Large LNG tankers and a 19km subsea pipeline could permanently disrupt local marine life, disturb underwater habitats, and restrict public boating and fishing access.

Even worse, the terminal plans to discharge chlorinated water directly into our shared bay, putting vulnerable ecosystems and Ramsar-listed wetlands at serious risk. Instead of locking us into decades of polluting fossil fuels and volatile global energy prices, we must protect our coast.

Have your say before the Environment Effects Statement (EES) submissions close on June 26!

You can officially submit your opposition to the Vopak Victoria Energy Terminal through the Engage Victoria Vopak Inquiry Page.

An Inquiry and Advisory Committee is collecting submissions to consider the environmental effects of the proposed Vopak Victoria Energy Terminal Link Project.

25/05/2026

CALLING for NEW MEMBERS - if you have a passion for issues in our region and want to be involved and supported by an established Council for change we welcome you to bring your ideas and energy to join us to support you in actions and advocacy.
Geelong Environment Council has remained an active environmental advocacy group, that has created much change historically to our region, Geelong, Bellarine, the Surf coast and Otway's. GEC supports the incredible ongoing work of Friends of Buckley falls
GEC continues to be a strong container to support instrumental change. The Friends of Buckley Falls (FOBF), under the wonderful leadership of Lance and Helen, have planted 4,300 plants at Buckley Falls Park this year.
GEC's mission statement is
'To Serve as an independent voice for the natural world that's dedicated to preservation and restoration of Geelong's regional ecosystems. The GEC supports sustainable policy that safeguards the region's environmental future and is committed to ensuring our land and waterways thrive for generations to come.'

Please email - [email protected] for more info.