Photos
Pioneering Water Project for Glen Waverley
25 March 2008
Three tiers of government have joined forces in a major pioneering project to harvest stormwater and upgrade irrigation at Monash City Council's Glen Waverley Public Golf Course.
The $500,000 project is jointly funded by Monash City Council, Melbourne Water and the Australian Government's Community Water Grants. It is expected to save around 60 million litres of water, the equivalent of 1,200 backyard swimming pools, each year.
Monash Mayor, Paul Klisaris said the first phase of the pilot project was the construction of a diversion system to capture the stormwater onsite, which would then be used to irrigate the golf course.
"In addition to this massive water saving, local waterway pollution will be reduced with approximately 20 tonnes of litter and 600 kg of nitrogen prevented from entering the Dandenong Creek every year," said Cr Klisaris.
The second phase of the project will see the upgrade of the irrigation systems in order to improve efficiency, which will complement the existing efficiency measures in place such as the ongoing establishment of warm season grass.
"The plans will ensure that no major trees are disturbed and environmental flows for Dandenong Creek will not be impacted as a result of the diversion," said Cr Klisaris.
"The project will also provide a more certain water supply in the future during drought conditions. It will ensure that important community sporting facilities remain usable and our tree watering programs can continue."
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett said the stormwater harvesting project would provide a water saving model for others to follow.
"We all have a role to play in protecting and nurturing our environment and I applaud communities such as Monash who are making a real difference in their local area," said Mr Garrett.
Melbourne Water General Manager of Waterways, Chris Chesterfield, said stormwater pollution was one of the major risks to the health of local waterway.
"This is an exciting project that will have a real benefit to the health of Dandenong Creek, reducing the impacts of stormwater runoff, cutting pollution and helping to save a significant volume of drinking water."
Published: 25 March 2008
[ Up: Media Releases ]