
Minister for Water Peter Walsh today launched Ballarat and region’s water future, the first whole-of-water-cycle management framework for a Victorian regional city.
“A whole-of-water-cycle approach is about being smarter, more efficient and more responsible with all of our water sources – including rainwater, stormwater, groundwater and recycled water – to take the pressure off precious drinking water supplies and ensure we have green, liveable urban communities,” Mr Walsh said.
“Ballarat was chosen as the pilot regional city for a whole-of-water cycle management framework after we saw how badly the drought affected the city’s livability.
“I congratulate the local project control board, chaired by Dr Mark Harris, for leading the development of the Ballarat and region’s water future framework and using a collaborative approach to ensure the community’s vision for the region was captured and acted upon.”
Mr Walsh also announced four new innovative water projects around the Ballarat region.
“Under round two of the Living Victoria Fund, more than 60 projects across the state will share in $15 million to help embed whole-of-water-cycle management into our cities, towns and regions,” Mr Walsh said.
“I am pleased to announce $1.8 million for four projects around Ballarat that will help make the framework’s vision a reality.”
“By choosing the right water for the job with innovative projects like these, we are building a more liveable and resilient Ballarat,” Mr Walsh said.