Hunter Water is working in collaboration with the NSW Environment Protection Agency. Together, they have commissioned a series of Best Practice Guidelines. These guidelines support developing and maintaining green open spaces in the Lower Hunter.
Our region’s turf sporting fields are under increasing pressure from growing population, sports participation, budget constraints, and a changing climate. Hunter Water and NSW EPA have created the Best Practice Guidelines in response to these pressures. It will help plan, design, construct and manage sporting fields and open space areas.
Hunter Water Group Manager Business Customers Ardie Morris anticipates the Best Practice Guidelines will be a useful document to help maintain recreational spaces for our community.
“The importance of green open spaces to local communities was evident during the 2019-20 drought and subsequent COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Morris said.
“The guidelines provide local community groups, organisations and councils with the tools to maintain these spaces.”
Seven books make up the Best Practice Guidelines. Each uses an evidence-based approach on specific topics in response to real-world examples. Each book is a framework that defines best practice. It also comes with advice on soils and turf, drainage, irrigation, planning and maintenance.
“The Lower Hunter Water Security Plan highlighted the need to think more broadly about using water more effectively. These guidelines are part of a larger portfolio of work that will ensure a resilient and secure water future for our region. Water is our most precious resource. We can all play our part to make the most of what we’ve got,” Morris said.
The guidelines primarily focus on public sporting fields. However, they can be used by anyone involved in planning, designing, building or maintaining turf surfaces, such as school ovals or golf courses.
To learn more as well as read and download the guidelines, head to our website – https://www.hunterwater.com.au/home-and-business/information-for-business/best-practice-guidelines
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