Thanks to the Victorian government’s support, new water recycling infrastructure in Horsham will help parks and gardens stay green and support Victoria’s world-class agricultural research.
Minister for Water Gayle Tierney and Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence have announced the completion of the $11.8 million Horsham SmartWater and Integrated Water Management project, which includes new water recycling infrastructure at the Horsham Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will provide more recycled water to the region.
“This sustainable water project will ensure our important local parks and fields will continue to stay green and thrive year-round without using our precious drinking water,” Tierney said.
Thanks to the installation of a reverse osmosis plant, researchers at the Horsham SmartFarm now have access to better-quality water to irrigate their crops.
“Sustainable water supply at the Horsham SmartFarm means our researchers can expand their field crop trials and continue to deliver practical research that makes a difference for Victorian growers,” Spence said.
The project included the construction of a new network of pipes through the city of Horsham, with connections to green spaces such as parks, ovals, the cemetery and the racecourse, providing up to 126 megalitres of recycled water for irrigation per year, reducing the need to use valuable drinking water.
“Investment in Horsham’s water recycling infrastructure ensures that local agricultural producers and researchers will continue to benefit from a sustainable water source,” Victorian Senator Jana Stewart said. “This project builds on our investments in regional Victoria and allows Wimmera’s beautiful parks and gardens to flourish.”
More recycled water allows Agriculture Victoria researchers to conduct field experiments to improve crop production profitability, productivity, and sustainability. Purified wastewater will be used to irrigate more than 50 hectares of grain, oilseed, and legume crops.
“Integrated Water Management Projects like this are crucial to diversify our water sources and secure sustainable water supplies for our growing communities and towns in the Wimmera,” Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said.
Using more diverse water sources, such as recycled water, ensures a water supply for open spaces during dry spells, delivers environmental and economic benefits, and bolsters the region’s long-term water security.
The Victorian and the Federal Governments jointly funded the two projects.
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