The rural town of Beaufort in Victoria's central west will now have green sports fields and open spaces all year round to enjoy thanks to the Allan Labor Government's investment in a wastewater recycling system.
Minister for Water Harriet Shing today announced completion of the $3 million Beaufort Reuse for Recreation Project, which supplies recycled water to local schools, the golf course, croquet court and recreation reserve.
The Government invested $1.4 million into the project with a contribution of $1.6 million from Central Highlands Water and support from the Pyrenees Shire Council.
The three kilometre recycled water pipeline installed as part of the project can supply more than 100 million litres of recycled water for irrigation use per year across the town.
Victoria's population is growing, putting pressure on our precious drinking water supply - that's why investing in new recycled water courses to water our green spaces instead of using drinking water. This project will save around 1.7 billion litres of drinking water a year.
Keeping sports grounds and open spaces green through the summer months will ensure recreation and community events are available year-round for the Beaufort community while improving the long-term drinking water security.
The project is one of 178 water security projects across the state supported by the government since 2017, representing more than $73 million in investment to support resilient cities and towns.
For more information on the visit, water.vic.gov.au/our-programs.
As stated by Minister for Water Harriet Shing
"I'm delighted this project is now up and running with recycled water now flowing to Beaufort's schools and recreation facilities ensuring they are lush and green all-year-round while saving precious drinking water."
"We will continue to invest in smart water infrastructure, helping to improve the water security of our regional towns and keeping important community spaces and recreation sites green and accessible."
As stated by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
"I'm so excited that this project has finished and we can now supply Beaufort with recycled water, ensuring our sporting grounds and community spaces are available to enjoy and use all-year-round."
Quote attributed to Central Highlands Water Managing Director Jeff Haydon
"This is a real difference maker for Beaufort - sport and recreation is a huge part of the community and like many regional towns the schools are central to community life. Ensuring they all have a reliable and constant source of recycled water is a terrific outcome."
