Fast tracking the implementation of synthetic sports surfaces, stormwater harvesting and the planting of warm season grasses and drought tolerant plants have all been identified as priority droughtproofing projects for the City of Melbourne in 2009/10.
The City’s extensive network of parks and gardens contribute to Melbourne’s title as one of the world’s ‘most liveable cities’. Ranging from gardens with classic 19th century heritage features and majestic tree avenues, to the 170 hectare Royal Park with its unique bushland landscape and wetlands habitat, Melbourne offers a variety of open spaces for the 14 million visitors who use its parks each year.
As such, Council’s draft budget has set aside $4.15 million to ensure that ongoing water security initiatives within its parks and gardens continue to complement important work already implemented in the last few years.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the City of Melbourne is a leader in water conservation initiatives.
“However, with Victoria still in the grip of drought, and Melbourne’s water reserves at record lows, it is imperative that we continue to commit to protecting our world renowned parks and heritage listed trees during this difficult period,” he said.
“Our proposed works include completing Stage Three of the Royal Park Wetlands project, which will provide much needed reclaimed water to several sports grounds and trees; and design and construction of at least one synthetic sports field to cope with the increased demand for community sports and to ease the stress on some of the turf sports grounds.”
Council will also explore further stormwater harvesting opportunities, upgrade its computerised irrigation control system, and further increase its subsurface irrigation system, which will improve the efficiency with which water can be applied to preserve the City’s horticultural assets. In addition, lawns will be replanted with warm season grasses, soil structures will be improved, and garden beds will be replanted with drought tolerant plants.
