General News
11 September, 2023
Water program supports councils
The Central Goldfields, Hepburn, Loddon and Mount Alexander are four of eight Victorian councils to save a total almost $250,000 between them through discounted water for public parks, gardens and recreation reserves. The Recreational Water Discount...
The Central Goldfields, Hepburn, Loddon and Mount Alexander are four of eight Victorian councils to save a total almost $250,000 between them through discounted water for public parks, gardens and recreation reserves.
The Recreational Water Discount Program aims to reward councils who have optimised their water use or used alternative fit-for-purpose water supplies, and Coliban Water Managing Director Damian Wells said it saw water offered at half the normal consumption fee for the 2022/23 financial year.
“As we continue to navigate the challenges of climate change, rainfall variability and population growth, we want to work with councils to improve water efficiency and the liveability of our region,” he said.
“It’s important we maintain these green spaces, which are vital community assets, providing places for people to relax, exercise and connect with nature.
“We need to ensure green spaces are always available during periods of extreme heat and times of water scarcity. We hope councils have been encouraged by this program to further improve how they use water, and that money saved will go towards water saving initiatives and more green spaces.”
In 2022/23 — the fourth year of the program — councils were collectively offered up to 300 megalitres of discounted water, with around 241 megalitres being awarded the discounted rate.
“This is a fantastic outcome and demonstrates our shared recognition that water is fundamental to creating greener, cooler and more attractive urban spaces,” Mr Wells said.