Reprieve for grounds as water restrictions step up

SIX ‘at risk’ recreation reserves can still be watered this summer thanks to what Cardinia Shire Council has claimed is a proactive approach to water sustainability and conservation.
Cuts of 25 per cent to council water consumption has resulted in the shire receiving exemptions from Stage 3 water restrictions, enabling several sporting facilities to be watered.
The exemptions cover Bunyip, Nar Nar Goon, Officer, Upper Beaconsfield, Chandler (Emerald) and Gembrook.
Council officers said the grounds were chosen based on the amount of junior and senior sport being played on them annually, or as is the case with Upper Beaconsfield Reserve, where recent renovation works saw considerable funds spent.
The grounds are spread across the region and the council has pledged to work with the clubs and reserve committees to investigate potential ground sharing if required.
Not all reserves in Cardinia Shire will be affected by water restrictions as a number of grounds have other sources of water available for use including bore water, such as Toomuc Recreation Reserve, water from dams or arrangements with nearby landowners who have water rights or licence agreements to access creeks or waterways.
The council said its water conservation savings would be achieved by measures including dualflush toilets, watersaving shower roses and recycling waste water as well as seeking any potential grants relating to water conservation.
With a hot dry summer ahead, the council said it would continue to work with recreation reserve committees to ensure regular monitoring of reserves to ensure the integrity of grounds for the long term.
However, in the event of no future rain, Stage 4 restrictions may ultimately apply, meaning no exemptions would be available and grounds may have to be closed.