Approximately nineteen megalitres of water will be saved every year in Bayswater, thanks to an innovative ‘storm water harvesting’ project between Knox Council and Siemens.
The landmark project will see water captured from the Siemens site on Mountain Highway pumped 1.3 kilometres to a specialised water tank at Marie Wallace Bayswater Oval, treated by Siemens technology, before being used for irrigation.
Knox Council will contribute $350,000 to the project, while multinational company Siemens will contribute the remaining $104,000 — in addition to the $50,000 Siemens has already invested in the design and engineering of the project.
Knox Council decided at its 16 December Council meeting to commit the final $150,000 required to fund the project from the $1.047 million in Federal funding from the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.
“This water project is a partnership between Knox Council and Seimens — with Federal Government funding chipping in the final $150,000 — that will save millions of litres of water,” Dinsdale Ward Councillor Adam Gill said.
“It’s a community minded partnership between Council, Siemens and the Bayswater Cricket Club through the Committee for Bayswater delivering results for local sports-lovers.
“This is a unique partnership between Knox Council and Siemens to save water and our community will benefit,” Cr Gill added. “What we’re seeing is a commitment from the public and private sectors to address a serious community issue.
“There’s no end to water restrictions in sight so we need to explore new ways of keeping our sports grounds playable — storm water harvesting is one of the most effective ways to achieve that.
“Marie Wallace Bayswater Oval is a regional facility, home to the EFL Grand Final each year, and one of our best reserves. This project will secure its place as one the best grounds for football and cricket in the region.
“I’d like congratulate Siemens for their outstanding efforts in getting this project off the ground.
“Siemens’ reputation for innovation, excellence and corporate leadership is clearly demonstrated through this innovative water project.
“Knox Council and Siemens unique partnership will deliver a unique water project which I believe can be replicated not only in other parts of Knox , but around Victoria and Australia.”
Paul English, Siemens representative on the Committee for Bayswater, and local resident, said Siemens was pleased to throw its weight behind this important local project.
“Siemens is delighted that this project has now been approved and fully funded,” he said. “We are very proud to support the local community in which we operate by contributing significant funding and expertise to the project, and delivering the technology and infrastructure in partnership with South East Water.
“Siemens believes in active corporate citizenship and the technological and social contribution we can add to Bayswater and the broader community.”
MEDIA ENQUIRIES FOR THIS RELEASE SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO LEIGH JOHNSTON
Knox Council’s Marketing and Communications Department
Email: leigh.johnston@knox.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 9298 8583 (direct line)
Mobile: 0434 363 428