9 August 2024
GVW expands hydration station presence in Campaspe 09 August 2024 Goulburn Valley Water has expanded its partnership with the Campaspe Shire Council and the Kyabram community by installing the town’s third hydration station at Kyabram Recreation Reserve.
There are now more than 70 hydration stations in 48 towns across the Goulburn Valley, with Kyabram’s other two drinking fountains at the Northern Oval sporting complex and at the Drum Street Park – directly opposite the GVW water treatment plant and water tank mural.
The hydration stations are part of GVW’s Choose Tap program, which encourages people to drink more water while in outdoor community spaces. Supporters and players at the final matches of the season and finals rounds at Kyabram are being encouraged to make use of the new station.
GVW Managing Director Dr Steve Capewell said the expansion of the hydration station program was in response to an increased number of applications received from councils and community groups.
“We made a promise to our customers to have stations in every one of our towns with drinking water by June 2023. Now that this has been achieved there is an opportunity to put more stations in place to increase access to free drinking water for more people – and their pets,” Dr Capewell said.
“These hydration stations encourage people to bring their own reusable bottles to fill up while they’re out and about, which helps reduce use of single use plastics. They are an easy way for us to promote more environmentally friendly water refill choices.”
Goulburn Valley Water’s expansion plans for the permanent hydration stations will be completed in partnership with community, sporting and local government bodies, with applications for new hydration stations accepted annually.
Along with Kyabram there are Campaspe Shire drinking fountains at Girgarre, Stanhope, Tongala, Rushworth and Colbinabbin.
Kyabram Football Netball Club president John Guinan said the location of the hydration station at the recreation reserve made it highly visible and accessible.
“Being at the bottom of the ramp, alongside the toilets and in between the netball courts, football oval and community centre makes it the perfect choice.
“I know other reserve user groups are really excited about the installation of the drinking fountain and we look forward to being able to show it off when, hopefully, we host one of the GVL finals this year,” he said.
The new Kyabram hydration station in Campaspe Shire was installed with support from Healthy Loddon Campaspe, a State Government-funded initiative aimed at improving health outcomes in the Loddon Campaspe region.
Healthy Loddon Campaspe Coordinator, Alicia O’Brien said the new Kyabram hydration station will help encourage players and visitors to the Recreation Reserve to choose water as their drink of choice.
“We know that the availability of fresh, free drinking water is important in creating healthy food and drink environments where our communities live, work and play. The installation of the new hydration station at Kyabram Recreation Reserve in a highly visible location will help to support people to choose water as a healthier drink option.”
People can find a list of hydration station locations at www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/community/choose-tap