Stormwater project flowing

Darling Square, Powlett Reserve and several tree-lined median strips in East Melbourne will thrive well into the future with the completion of the Darling Street stormwater project.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said this was a world-first inroad stormwater harvest scheme that would help save more than 20 million litres of water and safeguard Darling Street’s surrounding parks and trees.

“Sustainability is at the core of all thriving cities around the world and this $1.725m project is at the cutting edge of stormwater harvesting technology,” the Lord Mayor said.

“We are accustomed to adverse weather conditions of all kinds in Melbourne - whether it be extreme heat or cold, drought or flooding. Darling Street is one of a number of stormwater projects we have invested in across our city to ensure we are prepared when the dry weather hits.”

Councillor Cathy Oke, who has responsibility for the Eco City portfolio, said despite recent rains many of Melbourne’s trees were still feeling the effects of the drought.

“We will continue to experience extreme weather events. Adapting to climate change is about being smarter with limited resources and it is vital that we do all we can to protect our renowned parks and gardens from any future impacts of drought,” Cr Oke said.

“This project allows us to treat and use water that otherwise would be lost to our waterways. When you look at Darling Street and its surrounding green spaces you wouldn’t know that there is a sophisticated stormwater tank at work under the street keeping the area healthy and green.”

Melbourne Water has contributed $200,000 towards the Darling Street Stormwater Harvesting Scheme. Construction works on the project began in March 2012.

Melbourne Water’s Acting General Manager of Waterways, David Ryan, said the project has provided the dual benefits of restricting demand on the city’s drinking water supplies and reducing pollution loads into local waterways.

The City of Melbourne will work with the newly established Living Victoria Office to create similar progressive stormwater projects across Melbourne in the future.