Brimbank Mayor Cr Lucinda Congreve
ceremonially turned the first sod on works today to construct a stormwater harvesting system at Balmoral Park Reserve in Derrimut.
Cr Congreve was joined by funding partners from City West Water and Melbourne Water for the official launch of works.
“The new system adds to Brimbank’s growing number of stormwater harvesting sites that are already in place at Keilor Public Golf Course, Keilor Park Recreation Reserve and the Green Gully Sports Reserve among others.
“These systems provide significant volumes of recycled stormwater for Council’s open space irrigation requirements and help reduce stormwater pollution and litter from entering Brimbank’s local waterways.
“The use of alternative water also helps our communities adapt to the impacts of a changing climate”, Cr Congreve said.
Amanda Smith, General Manager Strategy and Planning at City West Water, said the partnership is an exciting Greening the West initiative, which will deliver a quality, well-designed green open space for the local community.
“Importantly, the systems replace the use of drinking water for irrigation with fit for purpose stormwater, helping to preserve Melbourne’s finite water resources,” Ms Smith said.
Construction of the stormwater harvesting system will result in the reuse of 15 million litres of stormwater each year for irrigation of the Balmoral Park Reserve sports fields and gardens.
Melbourne Water’s General Manager Waterways & Land, Service Delivery Mr Tim Wood said that with Melbourne’s population growing and using more water than our rainfall is providing, it’s important that we invest in alternative water sources like recycled water and stormwater for non-drinking use.
“Melbourne Water is working with councils and communities to look at alternative water sources to ease pressure on our water storages and build a secure supply for Melbourne for the future.
“This project is an outstanding example of this and Melbourne Water is proud to be a part of it.” Mr Wood said.
The total cost of the project is $2.4 million, which includes $1.1 million from Brimbank City Council, $1 million funding from City West Water and $300,000 from Melbourne Water.
The project is being constructed by BMD Urban and designed by Storm Consulting.
