New irrigation systems are being installed around the parks and sporting fields of Goulburn, as part of the Goulburn Reuse Scheme.
The important sustainability project will allow Goulburn Mulwaree Council to use treated effluent to green our playing fields, parks and gardens, in turn saving use of potable water.
Mayor Peter Walker said it was an outstanding example of long term planning for a region which is prone to drought.
“Goulburn locals will remember the years past in extreme droughts where we had to make the difficult decision to cancel sporting seasons due to lack of water for playing fields.
The reuse scheme will mean we are able to keep our fields safe for sporting field even during drought, with a treated effluent product of an incredibly high standard, quite close to potable water. It is important that we continually look to sustainability projects, and we are very proud of the Goulburn Reuse Scheme.”
Construction of the reticulated water pipeline network was completed earlier this year. This network links Goulburn’s wastewater treatment plant with North Park, Carr Confoy, Hudson Park, Goulburn Recreation Area, Victoria Park, Goulburn Golf Club and the Goulburn District Racetrack.
Irrigation construction at Hudson Oval, and North Park are complete with continual monitoring of restoration for the coming months. Irrigation projects at Carr Confoy and Victoria Park have commenced and are well underway, however have been affected by the wet weather which has made it difficult to use machinery in these areas.
The $10.8 million project is an innovative local government project, which will achieve excellent environmental outcomes. $4.4 million was received through the Federal Government Building Better Regions Fund for the project, with Council contributing a further $6.4 million from the sewer fund.
Works will commence on irrigation installation at the Goulburn Recreation Area in June, while Council staff are redesigning the tender for the final upgrade at the wastewater treatment plant to ensure it remains within budget.
