Mornington Peninsula Shire wants treated sewage to be used to ‘drought proof’ area
A PROPOSAL to use treated sewage to “drought proof” the Mornington Peninsula has received strong backing from farmers.
South East
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A PROPOSAL to use treated sewage to “drought proof” the Mornington Peninsula has received strong backing from farmers.
Mornington Peninsula Council has called on the State and Federal Governments to fund a pipeline that would enable treated sewage from the Eastern Treatment Plant at Carrum to be directed to peninsula farmers.
Mayor Bryan Payne said the project had state significance.
“It requires a commitment of funding as part of food security, employment, tourism, fire prevention and climate change policies,” he said.
“The importance of the development of recycled water infrastructure on the peninsula for food security and maintaining sporting and environmental assets has been clearly demonstrated by droughts, water restrictions of the past and even by the lack of rain over the last three months.”
Cr Payne said the development of a pipeline and system for the peninsula was vital to provide water security to the wide variety of agricultural activities.
Council wants funding for a new pipeline — running off the existing pipe pumping out treated sewage at Boags Rock, Gunnamatta — so the Class A recycled water can be used by peninsula farmers.
Victorian Farmers Federation peninsula branch president Eddie Matt described the council’s proposal as bold.
“It’s been particularly dry this year. If they were to create more water (availability) ... it would open more opportunities for small acreages to produce more crops,” he said.
Mr Matt said the Class A recycled water produced by the treatment plant was ideal for irrigation.
Nepean Liberal candidate Russell Joseph strongly backed the council’s proposal.
Mr Joseph said it was a “travesty” the water was being dumped via the Boags Rock outfall when it would be used by farmers.
South East Water spokesman Matt Mollett said recycled water had a vital role to play as an alternative source of water in meeting the challenges of population growth and climate change.
“Last year SEW delivered more than 5.5 billion litres of recycled water to homes and
businesses across its service region,” he said.
Mr Mollett said SEW was working with local governments, including Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, to find ways to make greater use of recycled water.
“Next year SEW will begin construction of a $100 million upgrade to its Boneo Water
Recycling Plant to support growth on the Mornington Peninsula,” he said.
“This will ensure continued current supply and enable South East Water to provide additional recycled water in the future.”