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Water body backs council’s enviro-draft
Westernport Water has backed a proposal to make far greater use of recycled effluent.
Managing Director David Mawer said the water corporation also supported a proposal to recommend that large-scale developments install recycled water piping reticulation systems and water tanks, where practicable.
The proposals were detailed in the Bass Coast Shire Council’s environmental sustainability draft released late last year.
Comments on the draft close on January 30.
The draft included several planned linkages with the local water corporation, and Mr Mawer welcomed many of the initiatives.
“Some, such as a water reuse education program, are already on our starting blocks,” he said. “Others, such as the recycled water piping are becoming a common requirement for large-scale developments in many parts of Australia.
“We warmly welcome the suggestion that subdivision proposals be designed to keep buffers around waterways and reserves. These sometimes feed into water catchments and can be important factors in water quality.”
Mr Mawer added, however, that some other proposals in the draft would require some thought.
“The suggestion to install composting toilets along the coast where sewerage is not available warrants further investigation,” he said.
“And we would like more details about a possible environmental levy to be charged on each rateable property and for each planning application.”
The draft proposes that all development applications detail water conservation devices, including reuse irrigation systems and rain water tanks.
“This would be useful not only in terms of water conservation,” Mr Mawer said. “It would help us quantify changes and growth in demand. Having that data would assist in our forward projections for demand and supply.”
He welcomed the council’s proposal to introduce a water use-reduction program for all council-managed facilities, including installing waterless urinals and dual-flush toilets.
“Westernport Water also believes in leading by example. We already recycle roof-collected rainwater for our toilets and for the native wetlands at our Newhaven headquarters,” he said.
“We are also pleased to see that the council’s draft plan supports the continuing work of the Bass Coast Landcare Network – an agency we support in funding and in-kind assistance.
“Through our funding of Landcare and Urban Landcare – totalling $50,000 in the most recent period – we have helped establish the Cowes wildlife corridor.
Consequently, it is encouraging to see that developing wildlife corridors is listed as a priority in this draft,” he said.
Mr Mawer said Westernport Water also supported the proposed establishment of a Bass Coast Environment Advisory Committee, and would consider a corporation appointment to the committee.
“This draft statement highlights the linkages that exist – and those that can be further developed – with Westernport Water and other agencies,” he said.
“Water is crucial to our environment; an important component in the landscape we all treasure and seek to preserve.”