The grass is greener at Melbourne Ballpark with water-saving stormwater project
16 February 2022
Up to 10 million litres of drinking water will be saved each year with an innovative water-saving project at Melbourne Ballpark, home to the State Baseball Softball Centre.
The $328,000 project utilises stormwater harvesting – an alternative approach to the drinking water system that involves collecting and treating stormwater runoff from urban areas and using it for irrigation.
The project was led by Greater Western Water with support from Melbourne Water, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Sport and Recreation Victoria, Hobsons Bay City Council and Melbourne Ballpark.
Greater Western Water Managing Director, Maree Lang, said the initiative demonstrated how the water industry collaborates with like-minded partners to deliver local liveability outcomes.
“This is an example of Greater Western Water’s investment towards making communities more climate-resilient. With the support of our partners, we’ve delivered a project that highlights the benefits of integrated water management,” she said.
The Stormwater Harvesting project will allow Melbourne Ballpark to keep its playing fields green all year round and will save them up to $20,000 each year that they can divert into developing their sports programs.
Melbourne Aces General Manager, Justin Huber, said beyond providing the facility with a sustainable water supply, the project also provided many benefits for the players.
“Natural grasses are softer than artificial surfaces and can help prevent injuries. It’s also a much cooler playing environment,” he said.
The project forms part of the Laverton Stormwater Harvesting Scheme, a wetlands area near the ballpark that also supplies water to neighbouring AB Shaw Reserve.
Hobsons Bay City Council Mayor, Peter Hemphill, said the project was a wonderful initiative that will deliver enormous benefits to Hobsons Bay and the wider community.
“Not having to rely on drinking water to irrigate sporting fields will help preserve our valuable water supply and foster greener open spaces in a natural, efficient and sustainable way,” he said.
