5 November 2021
Two new permanent hydration stations have been installed in Murrindindi Shire – featuring new auto-sensors for easy and safe community use.
The new stations are at Walter Moore Reserve, Eildon and at Buxton Recreation Reserve and will provide community access to free, fresh drinking water in key public spaces.
Another station will also be installed at Yea’s Railway Reserve in coming months.
They have been installed in partnership with Murrindindi Shire Council, as part of Goulburn Valley Water’s (GVW) price plan to install drinking water stations in every town supplied with drinking water by 2023.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Steve Capewell said GVW was keen to support communities to increase opportunities for people to access drinking water while in public spaces.
“Staying hydrated is crucial to staying healthy and we hope providing more opportunities to access quality tap water encourages people to drink more water,” Dr Capewell said.
“With one purchased bottle of water costing the same as about 3000 litres from the tap, it’s an easy environmentally and financially-friendly option to fill up a reusable bottle from the tap when you’re out and about.
“We’re also lucky to have some of the best tasting tap water in the world, with water from the South East district winning silver at international and gold and national competitions for the best tasting tap water.”
Murrindindi Shire Council’s Environment Portfolio and Eildon Ward Councillor Karine Haslam said Council was thrilled to work with GVW to have the new hydration stations installed in two very popular recreational reserves.
“The Buxton Recreation Reserve and Walter Moore Reserve are both fantastic open spaces, where our communities can enjoy the great outdoors. By providing access to fresh drinking water in these parks, we’re able to support locals and visitors to live an active and healthy lifestyle and also encourage our community to live more sustainably and to make better decisions for the environment.
“Council is grateful to GVW for supporting our application to have the hydration stations installed. We look forward to seeing community members make use of the drinking stations, particularly as we head into warmer months,” added Cr Haslam.
Permanent hydration stations are being installed in all towns with drinking water as part of a GVW Price Plan 2018-23 commitment, with eight stations installed each year until 2023.
Goulburn Valley Water’s South East District Team Leader - Water and Sewerage Services Tim Tanner, with Murrindindi Shire’s Cr Karine Haslam, Eildon Ward Councillor and Mayor Sandice McAulay, Cathedral Ward Councillor.