Two local popular parks and a recreation reserve have joined the growing list of spaces to benefit from the expansion of Goulburn Valley Water’s Be Smart, Choose Tap permanent hydration station program.
As part of the 2018–23 Price Plan, Goulburn Valley Water has collaborated with the Mitchell, Murrindindi, and Mansfield shires to provide Seymour Lions Park, Leckie Park at Alexandra, and Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve with the healthy addition.
There are now 72 hydration stations located in Goulburn Valley Water towns.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Dr Steve Capewell said public parks and recreation reserves were often places for physical activity, and the availability of water while exercising was crucial for residents.
“Ensuring our hydration stations are located in areas where they will be most beneficial is an important part of the partnerships we have with local councils,” he said.
“This latest round of installations does just that, with not only football, cricket, tennis, netball, lawn bowls, and other sportspeople beneficiaries, but also people just out for a walk or to exercise their dog.
“It would be great to think that, like the commitment we made several years ago to have hydration stations in every town with a drinking water supply, we could continue to work with shires to have the re-fill sites based at other parks and recreation reserves in the southern region.”
Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall stated that the installation of the three new drinking stations across the shire was a direct response to a Health and Wellbeing report, which highlighted key focus areas for active living and healthy eating.
“Providing easy access to drinking water in recreational areas and throughout the shire is essential for the health and wellbeing of our community,” he said.
“By listening to community feedback, we were able to identify key locations for the drinking stations.
“Our partnership with GVW has ensured this project was delivered effectively while keeping costs low for our ratepayers.”
The Seymour Lions Park drinking fountain is the eighth to be installed in the Mitchell Shire, with another four at recreational reserves in Seymour, Broadford, Pyalong, and Wandong/Heathcote Junction.
For more information about the Be Smart, Choose Tap sponsorship program and where to find existing hydration stations, visit www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/community/choose-tap.
