War on plastic has Sydneysiders lapping up water from refilling stations

Nearly 130,000 bottles of water and 1642kg of plastic has been saved thanks to Canterbury Bankstown’s popular water refilling stations dotted around the city.

Bincy Low and daughter Sophie filling their bottles at the new water refill station at Gough Whitlam Park, Earlwood.

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Canterbury Bankstown residents are lapping up water from the water refilling stations dotted around the city to reduce the use of plastic and bottled water.

The council, which projects itself as a smart city status, has added eight more refilling stations to complement the nine installed a year ago due to a growing popularity.

Since the first stations were introduced, more than 150,000 people have used 76,967 litres of water.

Bincy Low and daughter Sophie, 4, are regular users of the water refilling station.

This, according to Mayor Khal Asfour, is a saving of 1,642kg of plastic or 128,278 bottles of water.

This initiative strengthens the commitment of the council to improve the environment because last year they decided to phase out single-use plastics, including straws and cups, from all its facilities and events.

The council added water refill stations at Gough Whitlam, Earlwood (2); Close Street Reserve, Canterbury; Kentucky Reserve, Bankstown Aerodrome and Marco Reserve, Panania

There are also water refill stations in Bass Hill, Condell Park, Georges Hill, Revesby, Riverwood, Panania and Wiley Park.

Nine water refill stations, which were installed at popular spots in Canterbury-Bankstown 12 months ago, have been used tens of thousands of times by residents and visitors.

“Last year we were one of the only councils in NSW committed to phasing out single-use plastics, including straws and cups, from all Council-run facilities and events,” Mayor Asfour said.

Since the water refilling stations were installed in Canterbury-Bankstown 12 months ago, more than 1,642kg of plastic or 128,278 bottles of water have been saved.

“We know 153,930 people have tapped into these stations, saving 1,642kg of plastic or 128,278 water bottles.

“It just goes to show the CBCity community cares about being sustainable and is committed to being clean and green champions.

“Every bit counts, by using these stations, residents and visitors help reduce the environmental impact of bottled water, and reduce the amount of litter and number of bottles going to landfill, which can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade.

“It can be as simple as remembering to take your reusable bags when shopping; using reusable drink bottles and lunch containers or picking up any litter you see on the street and popping it into the right bin.

“Last year we were one of the few councils in NSW committed to phasing out single-use plastics, including straws and cups, from all council-run facilities and events.”

LOCATION OF REFILLING STATIONS

Lees Park, Ashbury; Graham Thomas Oval, Bankstown; Kentucky Reserve Boat Ramp, Bankstown Aerodrome; The Crest, Bass Hill; Close Street Reserve, Canterbury; Hutton Reserve, Canterbury; Deverall Park, Condell Park; Beaman Park, Earlwood; Gough Whitlam Park, Earlwood; Garrison Point Reserve/Lake Gillawarna, Georges Hall; Roberts Park, Greenacre; Abel Reserve, Revesby; Kelso Park South, Panania; Marco Reserve, Panania; Riverwood Wetlands, Riverwood; Rotary Park, Riverwood; and Wiley Park Reserve, Wiley Park.

Details: sydneywater.com.au

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