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Porters Reserve - Stormwater Harvesting Project
Council wins Federal Grant to Harvest Stormwater
Pittwater Council has won a $120,000 grant through the Federal Government's Community Water Grants Program to harvest stormwater at Porters Reserve, Newport.
The grant was announced by the Member for Mackellar, the Hon. Bronwyn Bishop MP.
The grant was awarded on a dollar-for-dollar basis, meaning the grant funding will be matched by the Council to fund the total cost of the project, estimated to be around $240,000.
The stormwater harvesting project is intended to irrigate Porters Reserve all year round without relying on town water. It involves collecting stormwater during rain events and pumping it through a gross pollutant trap. The collected water will then be treated in a holding tank and channelled into a 180,000 litre storage tank to be used for irrigation.
Council's General Manager Mark Ferguson said the project was a breakthrough for the Council and a significant step in the overall plan to maximise water recycling in the local community. He also stated that he was pleased that the Federal Government recognised the importance of the project by awarding the funding which will allow the reserve to be irrigated during dry periods as well as utilising overflows from the creek during heavy rain.
The project would not have been possible without the support of the Newport Rugby Club, who have volunteered to collect water samples for testing once stormwater harvesting is underway. Members of the senior and junior rugby teams have also volunteered to help plant native shrubs to screen the tanks and provide more shade at the reserve.
A Contractor has been appointed for the project which is anticipated to be completed by June 2008.
Porters Reserve before irrigation Porters Reserve after irrigation.