The City of Port Phillip scooped the Savewater! Awards presented in Melbourne in March. Council won the highest award, the Minister for Environment and Conservation’s award for contribution to water sustainability, plus the urban government organisation award for greywater and stormwater recycling at Inkerman Oasis in St Kilda.
The awards recognise and reward innovation in water conservation by Victorian businesses, schools and governments. City of Port Phillip Chief Executive Officer, David Spokes, said that he was pleased that Council’s pioneering work in water sustainability had been officially recognised.
“Partnerships with organisations such as Melbourne Water and South East Water are crucial to our effectiveness,” he said. “Local Government’s roles in environmental matters extend to being an innovator, an educator, a regulator and a good corporate entity in its own right.
“Irrigation systems are programmed to operate only when needed. Our sustainable design guidelines encourage developers to incorporate environmentally positive features, including water conservation measures, at the design stage. A seven unit development in Elwood is now a model for water conservation for smaller developments. Stormwater is collected and stored in a 15,000 litre tank in the basement and used to flush toilets.
“As an educator, we try to give our community knowledge, as well as practical support, to live with less impact on the environment. The model EcoHouse, when constructed, will feature recycled stormwater, water conserving appliances, water efficient gardens and composting toilets.
“Our sustainable living at home program involves over 100 local households meeting once a month to discuss water and energy conservation, waste minimisation, smart travel and wise purchasing. How we live contributes to the problem, but it can also be part of the solution.”
