By Tyler Wright
In a council meeting on Tuesday 22 November, Yarra Ranges Council voted unanimously to support the construction of a stormwater harvesting system at the Monbulk Recreation Reserve.
Chandler Ward Councillor David Eastham moved the recommendation, and said the benefits of the system will “extend much further than the precinct”.
“The construction of this system will supply about four million litres per year of treated stormwater to irrigate the sports oval, so its a really good opportunity to apply integrated water management within a priority catchment,” Cr Eastham said.
“Not only does it provide that irrigation, but it reduces the amount of pollution that’s going into the Emerald Creek…which is going to significant improve the water quality for the local fauna there, particularly the local platypus population.”
Cr Eastham said the project is a collaboration between the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Melbourne Water and Melbourne University.
“Whilst council is heavily involved in this and will be putting a bit of money towards it, we have received a significant amount through the integrated water management grant program and Melbourne Water’s liveable communities, liveable waterways program,” he said.
“I really wanted to take this opportunity to thank them as well, for partnering with us on this, and [I] wholeheartedly support the recommendation before us tonight.”
Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar seconded the motion beofre councillors voted unanimously to carry the motion.
There were no registered speakers for the matter and nobody in the gallery chose to speak to the item.
