NEW WATER RECYCLING SCHEME FOR TORQUAY
Sunday, 01 August 2010 12:00
A Gillard Labor Government will co-invest in a major new water recycling initiative in Torquay that will help protect Geelong’s future water supplies.
The Gillard Labor Government will provide $10.5 million for the $21 million project, which involves constructing a dual pipeline system to deliver recycled water to 3,000 new homes in north Torquay, to the new Torquay Sports and Civic Precinct, to local market gardeners and flower growers, the Spring Creek Sporting Reserve and the Torquay Golf Club..
The project will save 850 million litres of potable water and produce between 900 and 1,00 million litres of recycled water per annum.
“This is terrific news for Torquay and will help drought proof our town, make the town more sustainable by taking the pressure off potable water supplies,” Darren Cheeseman, a Torquay resident, said.
“It will be great for the residents of north Torquay, for the Torquay Tigers Football, Netball and Cricket Club, the Surf Coast Soccer Club who will all be playing games at the new Torquay Sports Precinct.”
“As well, it will supply A Class recycled water to local industry, such as local flower farmers and market gardeners, creating more jobs in and around Torquay, and residents with gardens will not be restricted as much by potable water bans.”
“I believe this is one of the most important pieces of town infrastructure we have funded so far.”
Torquay is one of Victoria’s fastest growing residential areas. Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Penny Wong, and Member for Corangamite Darren Cheeseman said the project will help secure water supplies to meet Torquay’s future needs.
Securing water supplies is a key part of supporting a sustainable Australia.
The recycled water will be used in new developments for flushing toilets and watering gardens, as well as for parks and sporting fields.
Households connected to this dual pipe system will be able to water their gardens free from potable water restrictions during times of drought.
By substituting recycled water for drinking water, the project – worth $21 million in total – will help to reduce the pressure on Geelong’s precious drinking water supplies.
The Gillard Labor Government understands water supplies are under huge pressure because of climate change and drought.
We will continue to support Australia’s cities and towns by investing in new water sources – like recycling, desalination and stormwater – that reduce reliance on traditional rain-fed water supplies.
Funding for this project will be provided through the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan that has already been provisioned for in the Budget.
For more information, ring Joe Taylor 0416241653.
