GSEM welcomes recycled water pipeline for south east Melbourne

25 May 2022

GSEM welcomes recycled water pipeline for south east Melbourne

For immediate release

The Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) group welcomes the state government’s announcement of $24.8 million for the Dingley Recycled Water Scheme.

A new pipeline from the Eastern Treatment Plant will provide recycled water to local businesses, golf courses, sports ovals and parks in Kingston, Monash and Bayside communities.

Greater South East Melbourne has long advocated for the pipeline. In February of this year GSEM secured approval from Infrastructure Australia for its stage 1 submission, recognising recycled water infrastructure upgrades as a national priority.

The 46 sites identified for recycled water include: 15 open spaces (parks etc), 12 golf courses, Hawthorn Football club, 13 commercial nurseries, 3 market gardens, a commercial laundry, and a secondary school.

Greater South East Melbourne Chair Simon McKeon said:

“The Dingley Recycled Water Scheme is a genuine region-building project – delivering economic, social and environmental outcomes over a wide area.

“On behalf of our residents, businesses, industry, sporting clubs and tourism operators, GSEM is pleased to warmly welcome this announcement.

“Recycled water is an increasingly valuable resource, it is produced at public expense and it is logical that it be reused.

“We have been advocating for the Dingley Recycled Water Scheme over the past several years, and it is great that the Victorian Government has responded with this $24.8 million investment.

“GSEM secured approval from Infrastructure Australia for its stage 1 submission, recognising recycled water infrastructure upgrades as a national priority.

“GSEM welcomes the big picture projects that deliver outcomes both locally and right across the region.”

Kingston Mayor, Cr Steve Staikos said:

“We are thrilled the Victorian Government is investing in recycled water for the region to dramatically reduce the use of drinking water and take positive climate action,” Cr Staikos said.

 “The purple pipeline will help secure the future of market gardens and agriculture in Kingston’s Green Wedge, boost the world-renowned Sandbelt golf courses and support water-intensive businesses.”

 “Kingston Council will also make good use of the pipeline by switching to recycled water to keep our many parks, gardens and sporting reserves green and healthy.”

Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria CEO, Craig Taberner said:

“Horticulture is a major employer and forms a large part of the Greater South East Melbourne economy, NGIV welcomes this decision and the certainty that it provides around the regular supply of Class A recycled water and what that does for the future of our member businesses.”

Huntingdale Golf Club General Manager Alex McGillivray said:

“The Victorian golf industry contributes more than $900 million to the state economy each year. This announcement will help maintain southeast Melbourne’s status as a world class golf region as well as providing environmental, social and economic benefits to the whole community.”

Head Of Infrastructure, Melbourne City Football Group, Ian Wilson said:

“Increased access to recycled water in Greater South East Melbourne will enhance community sport, elite sport and recreational grounds across the region, providing further opportunities for community participation.

Melbourne City Football Club, via our established sustainability principals, seeks to embrace sustainable social, environmental and economic programming and planning. This announcement enhances the sustainability and liveability of the GSEM region.”

Minister for Water Lisa Neville said:

“Using more recycled water responds to the needs of our growing population sustainably by delivering green public spaces all year round without impacting our drinking water supply.”

“Those who remember the Millenium drought in the 2000s will know the impact on businesses, parks and sporting fields and communities – this initiative will provide a rainfall independent water supply”

Member for Keysborough Martin Pakula said:

“Victoria boasts some of the best golf courses in the world and this project will help keep our courses greener and attract more golfers to play in Melbourne’s South East.”

For more information and to arrange interviews please contact: Damian Mannix | damian@theagendagroup.com.au | 0411 479 589