Tara Murray
Work has started on the Dempster Park ‘Oasis’ Stormwater Harvesting Scheme in Sunshine North.
The $2.05 million scheme will harvest, treat and reuse up to 11 million litres of stormwater each year for the sustainable irrigation of the much-loved public recreation space.
The harvesting system will boast a 485 square metre habitat rain garden with native plants, and a 1.2 million litre underground water storage tank.
The state government, City West Water, Melbourne Water and council have worked together on the project.
The council is constructing the project which will be handed to City West Water once completed, which is expected in July this year.
St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman said capturing more than four Olympic-sized swimming pools of stormwater each year for irrigation of the Dempster Park sports fields and recreation areas, will save precious drinking water and help protect down-stream waterways.
“With our growing population, it’s important we look for smarter and more sustainable opportunities to water our state’s parks and gardens and sporting fields.”
“The Dempster Park project is an outstanding example of stormwater harvesting to improve the health of our waterways and maintain a great community asset where nature can thrive and families in Melbourne’s west can enjoy the outdoors.”
Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said that local open spaces have become increasingly important for the physical and mental health of the community, especially during the challenge of last year’s COVID pandemic lockdowns.
There are existing water harvest sites in Cairnlea, at Green Gully and Keilor Recreation reserves, Keilor Golf Course and Balmoral Park Oasis in Derrimut.
