Media Release 30 August, 2006

Water recycling funding an encouraging sign for the future

The NSW Government is showing encouraging signs it recognises the crucial role water reuse and recycling has in securing Sydney a long term sustainable water supply, Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO said today.

The $2.4 million funding announced today for two recycling projects in Manly and Cronulla to treat waste water for use in sporting facilities and industrial sites is a step in the right direction to demonstrate to the community that recycled water is a safe and viable option.

"Clean Up Australia has long advocated the need for co-operation between levels of government, industry and the community to address key environmental challenges such as ‘fit-for-purpose' water use.

"The funding for Manly and Sutherland Councils begins to address the enormous waste that ocean outfalls have come to represent."

Mr Kiernan said using recycled water for irrigating ovals would help prevent the closure of many sporting facilties due to lack of water by ensuring they remain safe to use.

"The lack of water for irrigation of sporting facilities is more than just an environmental issue - local councils and sporting bodies cannot wear the liability attached to sporting fields that are unsafe because they cannot be irrigated due to continuing water restrictions.

"Today's announcement demonstrates lateral thinking for a sustainable solution - capturing and re-using water that until now has been wasted."

Mr Kiernan acknowledged the volumes of water saved by these projects isn't huge compared to the amount that drains into our harbours and ocean each year. But it is a step in the right direction and indicates the Government is considering a range of initiatives to secure Sydney a sustainable water supply for the future.

Mr Kiernan said local government has been a leader in water reuse and recycling in Sydney and congratulated Manly and Sutherland Councils for their innovation and foresight.

"Manly and Sutherland Councils have been enthusiastic supporters of Clean Up Australia Day since it started 17 years ago and these projects further demonstrate their commitment to the environment."

Further information: Paul Sheridan, 0410 516 656