The Apollo Bay Golf Club is set to tap into sustainable recycled water, helping to save millions of litres of drinking water each year.
Construction will begin next week on a new 1.1km recycled water pipeline connecting the coastal course to Barwon Water’s local reclamation plant.
The project is being delivered with the support of the Victorian Government, which has provided $450,000 through the Integrated Water Management Grants Program.
Barwon Water Managing Director, Shaun Cumming, said the organisation had been working with the golf club to find ways to use water more efficiently.
“Our community strongly supports the productive use of recycled water, and it will play a key role in helping us to maximise the value of our resources,” Mr Cumming said.
“We’re pleased to assist the golf club to improve its sustainability and to significantly reduce its reliance on the region’s precious drinking water.”
Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek are supplied with drinking water from the Barham River.
The Apollo Bay Golf Club currently relies on this source for irrigation, using between five and ten million litres per year.
The project will also help Barwon Water progress toward its aim of recycling 100 per cent of the wastewater treated at its water reclamation plants, supporting our circular economy by reducing waste.
Club President Dick Lythgo praised the partnership approach to developing the recycled water project.
“We have been working very constructively with Barwon Water over the last few years, culminating in the realisation of the recycled water project,” Mr Lythgo said.
“This has been a wonderful example of cooperation between the golf club, Barwon Water and DEECA, for the benefit not only of the golf club but also for the wider Apollo Bay community.”
Club Secretary Graham Hill said working with Barwon Water and DEECA on the initiative was great.
“The result will save the Apollo Bay community valuable drinking water, particularly during the summer months, but also save the golf club valuable funds from using Class B recycled water,” Mr Hill said.
“It’s another good example of organisations working openly and collaboratively to achieve sustainable outcomes for the community and the club alike.”
Work on the pipeline will occur on weekdays and will be completed by December 2024.
During this time, Barwon Water will also upsize and replace a section of the water main along Gambier Street in Apollo Bay.
These improvements will be delivered concurrently to minimise disruptions to the community.
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