A MAJOR overhaul of 12 reserves could lead to Brimbank being selected as the state’s most sustainable city.
The municipality is one of six finalists in Keep Australia Beautiful’s Sustainable Cities awards. The others are Melton, Monash, Yarra, Frankston and Moreland.
After spending a day touring Brimbank, KAB judge Brian Winch said last week council initiatives such as a ‘green sports’ scheme, which changes reserve surfaces from cool- season to warm-season grass, gave it a great chance of winning the title.
“None of it was earth shattering, but across the board it was great,” he said. ‘‘There was the full spectrum of energy savings.’’
‘‘Another commendable thing was [restoration of the Keilor] cenotaph; it looks brilliant.”
Judges also inspected the new EcoLiving Centre in Albion, a practical demonstration of what can be achieved with sustainable materials.
Victoria University’s trades college students retrofitted the Californian bungalow to make it a sustainable showpiece for residents to learn from.
Council put forward its strongest argument in the environmental sustainability category, after introducing stormwater harvesting that has saved up to 127.4ml of treated stormwater for irrigation at three recreational sites.
Upgrades to heating, ventilation and airconditioning at the council’s Keilor offices have saved more than 129,710 kilowatt hours of power in one year, while a co-generation plant at Sunshine Leisure Centre has also reduced emissions of greenhouse gasses.
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on July 26, with the national awards judged in November.
