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Water Conservation on Shire Ovals and ReservesWellington Shire Council is introducing significant water saving measures for its ovals and recreation reserves in response to increased water restrictions. By Wellington Shire Council - 2nd February 2007 - Back to News "Level 3 water restrictions would normally prevent us from watering any public reserves," said Cr Beth Ripper, Mayor of Wellington Shire.
"However, I’m pleased to say that we have been able to present Gippsland Water with a significant water saving plan and this has enabled them to grant exemptions for watering on three key recreation reserves."
The Council was working on an active water conservation program before the new restrictions were announced. Savings made under this program have enabled Gippsland Water to provide limited exemptions for watering Sale Oval, Baldwin Reserve and Stead St Oval. Stephenson Park will continue to be watered from Lake Guthridge.
"Council has chosen these grounds for watering as they will be able to provide the best service to the broadest range of sporting clubs," said Cr Ripper.
"They also had the most adaptable watering systems to be able to implement our water conservation measures."
Cr Ripper said that Council was also pleasantly surprised with the economic as well as environmental benefits of the water conservation program.
"It is estimated that our water saving measures will permanently reduce our water bill by around $60,000 each year," said Cr Ripper.
Water saving measures developed between Wellington Shire Council and Gippsland Water include:
- Using storm water collected in Lake Guthridge to water local parklands and Stephenson Park ovals.
- Installing some five kilometres of drip irrigation system instead of sprinklers to water parks and gardens in Sale, Maffra, Heyfield, Rosedale and Stratford.
- Changing the type of plants and turf used by Council. Plantings will be drought resistant and some annual plants may be removed.
- Using instruments to monitor and control watering to avoid wastage.
"This will mean our parks and reserves may look a little different," said Cr Ripper.
"But our goal in this drought is to keep plants alive rather than looking lush."
Cr Ripper said Council would continue to work with water authorities to identify further improvements in water savings.
"It is clear that we can no longer water our parks and playing fields whenever we want.
"Council has decided it is important to develop a serious water saving plan so we can make the best use of what we’ve got. It provides economic as well as environmental benefits," said Cr Ripper.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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