Residents of VicUrban’s Aurora development will be the first in Melbourne’s north to enjoy greener gardens whilst helping to save Melbourne’s drinking water, thanks to a roll-out of recycled water by Yarra Valley Water.
Planning Minister Justin Madden today announced that the delivery of Class A recycled water to the 1000 residents already living at the estate would reduce the consumption of drinking water by up to one third compared to the average Melbourne household.
“The Brumby Government is working with water authorities to increase the use of recycled water which helps reduce demand on our drinking water supplies,” Mr Madden said. “Class A recycled water is a new, sustainable source of water that, together with energy efficient housing, is a big step in the fight against climate change.”
“Class A recycled water is a new, sustainable source of water that, together with energy efficient housing, is a big step in the fight against climate change.
“Melbourne uses far more recycled water than any other major city in Australia with annual use increasing from around 14 billion litres in 1999 to over 66 billion litres in 2007/08.”
“Aurora is the first residential development in Australia to plan for water and environmental saving initiatives on this scale. With an expected 25,000 residents expected to live there, we are national leaders in responsible planning for urban growth.”
All homes at Aurora are 6-Star energy rating designed to reduce carbon emissions each year by up to 5 tonnes per household.
“This is just the beginning as more than 50,000 households in Melbourne’s north-eastern growth corridor are expected to be connected to recycled water over the next 25 years,” Mr Madden said.
Mr Madden said $20 million would be invested over the next 5 years to supply recycled water to new developments in the areas of Hume, Whittlesea and Mitchell.
Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green MP said the project was also a win for the local CFA.
“As a member of the CFA I know how vital access to water is for the emergency services. The opportunity to use the recycled water at Aurora for training is a fantastic outcome for the Epping CFA,” Ms Green said.
“I’m proud that this community will reduce the demand on Melbourne’s drinking water supplies.”
Mr Madden thanked Yarra Valley Water and VicUrban for their hard work and congratulated the residents of Aurora for their achievements.
In 2007 Aurora won the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s Award for Environmental Excellence.