By Charlene Gatt
MARIBYRNONG City Council will install stormwater harvesting systems over the next year in three parks and gardens to keep them green year round.
The system will capture rainwater run-off from roofs, streets and parks and store in in underground tanks at Footscray Park, Yarraville Gardens and McIvor Reserve.
The stormwater will then be treated and used to irrigate gardens and playing fields at Footscray Park, Yarraville Gardens, Angliss Reserve and McIvor Reserve.
The $6.6 million project is being jointly funded by the Federal Government, Maribyrnong City Council and City West Water.
Construction is due to begin in the first half of 2012 and is expected to be completed by 2013.
Mayor Sarah Carter said harvesting stormwater that would otherwise flow out to the bay would help keep our parks and gardens green during dry years.
“Using rainwater instead of mains water also helps conserve Melbourne’s drinking water supplies.
This project will benefit the community all year round,” Cr Carter said.
“Footscray Park and Yarraville Gardens are heritage listed parks and additional irrigation water will help preserve them for future generations.”
City West Water managing director Anne Barker added: “With climate change expected to result in lower rainfall patterns in Melbourne in the future, projects that use alternative water sources like stormwater harvesting are the future for urban irrigation.
“On top of the water saving benefits, there are also environmental benefits in using stormwater instead of discharging it into Port Phillip Bay.”
The project is being planned to minimise disruption to playing fields and car parks within Footscray Park, Yarraville Gardens and McIvor Reserve.
