Central Highlands Water and Central Goldfields Shire Council have joined forces this week to launch a new Choose Tap drinking fountain at Pioneer Park, Talbot.
This new fountain aims to provide easily access to quality drinking water, in a sustainable way, to the Talbot community.
Further project support has also been provided by Healthy Heart of Victoria, an initiative aimed at improving community health across the region, and recognising hydration as an integral part of this.
Central Goldfields Shire Council Mayor and Paddy's Ranges Ward Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor said "I'm delighted to see the installation of the Central Highlands Choose Tap drinking fountain."
"It's been wonderful to see Pioneer Park become a hub for recreation since the Victorian Government's Healthy Heart of Victoria outdoor exercise equipment was installed."
"The Fun Fit program has been a fantastic success with a strong group of locals participating in twice-weekly exercise classes which have been led by personal trainer Jacqui Birmingham."
"A huge thank you to Central Highlands Water for the installation of the Choose Tap Drinking Fountain – it's such a welcome addition to the precinct and will be well used by locals and visitors alike on our popular Talbot Farmers Market event days."
Chairperson Ballarat Football Umpires Association and Central Highlands Water, Choose Tap Ambassador Deb Sleep said "It's great to be part of the drinking fountain launched today, on World Health Day. Keeping hydrated is so important to everyone's health and wellbeing."
"As a representative of the Ballarat Football Umpires Association and a Choose Tap Ambassador, I am very pleased to highlight the active involvement of our umpires in the local football community, supporting matches both here in Talbot, as well as Maryborough."
"Our umpires are keenly aware of keeping healthy, hydrated and making tap water their drink of choice. But keeping hydrated is important for everyone, whether it's spending time with the family here at the playground, visiting the Talbot Farmers' Market on the weekend or walking the dog."
"Having this drinking water fountain accessible at the playground in a central area in Talbot is a positive addition for the local community."
"The fountain is also a positive step to encourage the community to choose tap and avoid using single use drink bottles. By refilling reusable drink bottles, we will reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottle waste. We can all do our part for the environment, make the sustainable choice and Choose Tap."
Choose Tap facts:
- Your body is 70% water, dehydration reduces your ability to concentrate by 13%
- Drinking 6-8 glasses a day helps to keep you in top shape
- More than 50% of plastic bottles end up as landfill or rubbish
- In Australia, we spend more than $680m a year on bottled water
- Over 90% of the cost of a bottle of water is for the bottle, lid and label
