Thanks to the support of the Victorian government, new water recycling infrastructure in Horsham will help keep parks and gardens green while also supporting Victoria’s world-class agricultural research.
Minister for Water Gayle Tierney and Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence have revealed the completion of the $11.8 million Horsham SmartWater and Integrated Water Management project. This initiative includes new water recycling infrastructure at the Horsham Wastewater Treatment Plant, aimed at increasing the supply of 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,” Ms Tierney said.
Thanks to the installation of a reverse osmosis plant, researchers at Horsham SmartFarm now have access to higher-quality water for irrigating 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,” Ms Spence said.
The project involved building a new pipeline network across Horsham, linking green areas, including parks, ovals, the cemetery, and the racecourse. This initiative supplies up to 126 megalitres of recycled water annually for irrigation, minimising the reliance on precious 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.”
Using more recycled water enables Agriculture Victoria researchers to carry out field experiments aimed at enhancing the profitability, productivity, and sustainability of crop production. Purified wastewater will irrigate over 50 hectares of grain, oilseed, and legume crops. Utilising a wider range of water sources, like recycled water, guarantees a water supply for open spaces during dry spells, provides environmental and economic advantages, and strengthens the region’s long-term water security.
“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.
