The Andrews Labor Government is drought proofing Melbourne Ballpark’s playing fields in Altona by using stormwater for irrigation.
The project will save up to 10 million litres of drinking water each year and keep Melbourne Ballpark’s playing fields green all year round. The stormwater will be delivered through a 300-metre pipeline connecting the playing fields to the Laverton Stormwater Harvesting Scheme.
The $328,000 stormwater harvesting project was led by the Labor Government in partnership with Greater Western Water, Melbourne Water, Hobsons Bay City Council and Melbourne Ballpark.
Stormwater harvesting involves capturing and diverting stormwater runoff from urban areas during rainfall. The water, which would otherwise wash pollutants into Port Phillip Bay, is treated, stored and used to irrigate parks, gardens and public open spaces.
The project forms part of the Laverton Stormwater Harvesting Scheme, a wetlands area that also supplies water to neighbouring AB Shaw Reserve. By re-using stormwater to irrigate local playing fields, the scheme is helping to future-proof both the community’s recreational spaces and premier sporting facilities.
Melbourne Ballpark is home to Baseball Victoria and the Melbourne Aces – a professional Australian Baseball League team.
As stated by Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“As Melbourne’s population grows and the climate gets warmer and drier, we need to use more stormwater to irrigate places like sporting fields and help save more water for drinking.”
As stated by Member for Altona Jill Hennessy
“It’s great to see the Laverton Stormwater Harvesting Scheme irrigating Melbourne Ballpark, as this project will help improve liveability through greener open spaces, better sporting facilities and increased community access.”
As stated by Managing Director Greater Western Water Maree Lang
“This is an example of Greater Western Water’s investment towards making communities more climate-resilient. With the support of our partners, we’ve delivered a project that highlights the benefits of integrated water management.”
