Zoe Moffatt
Macedon Ranges council has joined seven other local councils to collectively save almost $250,000 through discounted water for public parks, gardens and recreation reserves.
The recreational water discount program, offered by Coliban Water has been running for four years in the aim to reward councils who have optimised water use or used alternative fit-for-purpose water supplies.
Council director assets and operations Shane Walden said the program has enabled council to maintain and operate its open spaces and facilities efficiently and effectively.
“Through the program we have accessed around 34 megalitres per annum of recycled water and nine megalitres per annum of potable water,” he said.
“[This is] for a range of council managed open spaces and facilities including gardens, recreation reserves, and aquatic centres.
“We are continuously looking at innovative ways to make sure we have sufficient resources to achieve this and program’s like this one through Coliban Water help us immensely in that space.”
Coliban Water managing director Damian Wells said the program offered water 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,” Mr Wells 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.”
Mr Wells said managing green spaces in water-efficient ways can include, watering the correct amounts and at certain times of the day, grass types, eliminating leaks, installing water saving devices and infrastructure improvements.
In 2022-23, around 241 megalitres were awarded the discounted rate to the councils involved in the program. They include Greater Bendigo council, the shires of Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Gannawarra, Hepburn, Loddon and Mount Alexander.
