11 March 2025
A fifth Campaspe shire recreation reserve has had a Goulburn Valley Water hydration station installed as part of the now expansive Choose Tap program.
Tongala Recreation Reserve is the latest site to have a water refill station added to its infrastructure, joining ovals at Rushworth, Girgarre and two Kyabram sites to offer sporting participants high quality drinking water.
Goulburn Valley Water and Campaspe Shire have had a five-year partnership which has now seen eight water refill stations installed in five different towns.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Dr Steve Capewell said the Choose Tap message associated with expansion of the hydration station program was an important one for all members of the community, not just the sports minded.
“Our Choose Tap program aims to increase awareness of the health, environmental and financial benefits of drinking tap water. There are now almost 80 hydration stations spread through the region, at sporting venues, in parks, major thoroughfares and at tourist attractions,” Dr Capewell said.
He said the availability of high quality drinking water at these venues was a constant reminder for people of the best source of hydration.
“Water is calorie free, is a bargain buy compared to any other drink and – through these water refill stations – is available to everyone,” Dr Capewell said.
Campaspe Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Mackrell, said hydration stations were one of the projects identified as priorities through council’s community consultations last year.
“This hydration station will serve our local football, netball, tennis and cricket clubs as well as the wider community enjoying these recreational areas, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to bottled water,” Cr Mackrell said.
“This hydration station was achieved through Council’s partnership with Goulburn Valley Water, and we thank them for their commitment to providing these resources for the community.”
Tongala Recreation Reserve is home to the football/netball, cricket, and tennis clubs, while the sporting complex also hosts a number of community events during the year.
The hydration station is one of four to arrive during the summer at regional sporting venues, with Shepparton’s Deakin Reserve and the Shepparton Sporting Precinct Athletics Track both adding hydration stations to their sites with the support of the Greater Shepparton City Council.
Cobram Lawn Tennis Club is the other sporting venue to have a water refill station added to its facilities, through the support of Moira Shire Council.
For a complete list of hydration stations in the region visit Choose Tap | Goulburn Valley Water (www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/community/choose-tap).
