Brimbank Mayor, Cr Georgina Papafotiou
, has welcomed the State Government announcement of almost $1 million into local water infrastructure, sustainability and climate adaptation projects, to help support and deliver local environmental outcomes for Brimbank residents.
Mayor Papafotiou said the funding would help Brimbank deliver innovative water infrastructure for the community, easing the pressure on drinking water supplies through projects that will support water recycling, stormwater harvesting and sustainable irrigation.
The two projects that have secured $950,000 through the State Government’s Water for Victoria program, are:
- Upper Stony Creek Transformation Project, $500,000
- ‘Brimbank Oasis’ Water Harvesting Scheme, $450,000
The $500,000 for the Upper Stony Creek Revitalisation project will provide for the construction of a stormwater harvesting and reuse irrigation system. This infrastructure will help support the provision of new public open space for the Sunshine community along the Upper Stony Creek corridor.
The $450,000 for the ‘Brimbank Oasis’ Scheme, will allow for the harvesting and treatment of up to 11 mega litres of stormwater annually for the irrigation, maintenance and support of Dempster Park, and adjacent open spaces in the Sunshine Priority Precinct. The Oasis Scheme not only saves precious drinking water supplies but helps the cooling and greening of our community, which is an essential climate adaptation response.
‘Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of Stage 3 restrictions, the role of local parklands, open space and waterways have become increasingly important in helping keep our community, healthy, active and resilient. Along with supporting local jobs and economic activity, this $950,000 will also help us provide better community health and environmental outcomes too once complete,’ Cr Papafotiou said.
Council has continued to advocate through the Transforming Brimbank Environmental Equity 2020 Agenda to secure environmental outcomes for local projects and initiatives, including these very projects, Cr Papafotiou said.
‘The Upper Stony Creek Project, in particular, has continued to be an ongoing priority for Council and Council therefore welcomes the additional $500,000 towards its delivery.
‘I would also like to acknowledge and thank the State Member for St Albans, Natalie Suleyman MP, for her advocacy in helping secure this funding for the Brimbank community. We look forward to working with her, and all of our local parliamentary colleagues as we continue to advocate in response to ongoing and evolving issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic”, Cr Papafotiou said.
