The Western Bulldogs kicked off their Support Target155 campaign using Whitten Oval to promote the Club’s commitment to saving water to the community and hundreds of organisations across Melbourne’s west
Player, Dale Morris was on hand to showcase the redevelopment and highlight the Western Bulldogs commitment to saving water.
Club Chief Executive, Campbell Rose said that highly recognisable organisations like the Western Bulldogs had an obligation to lead by example in the area of water conservation, and a new billboard overlooking the facility reiterates the club’s support for the water saving campaign.
“From the outset of the redevelopment here at Whitten Oval, saving water has been one of our overriding principles, not only throughout construction, but importantly, our ongoing water needs,” he said.
Whitten Oval showcases many practical water efficiency and environmental friendly measures, many of which can be copied in and around the home.
The Club’s first step was to resurface Whitten Oval with drought-resistant grasses – a mix of couch and rye – which cut irrigation needs by 70 per cent and with tanks now supplementing the irrigation, it allows the Club to keep the facility in optimum condition.
Instead of showers that gush 20 litres per minute, Bulldogs players now wash under 3-star showerheads using only 9 litres a minute, saving thousands of litres of water each week, flow restrictors have also been fitted on taps and the Club has installed dual flush toilets.
Further water savings will be achieved through the capture of rainwater collected from the 1000 square metre roof on the John Gent stand and stored in 1,800 000 litre storage tanks, which will also supply irrigation water.
Overall, the long-term plan for the Club is to save up to 5 million litres of water per year.
City West Water Managing Director, Anne Barker, said Melbourne businesses of all sizes are being encouraged to participate in the Support Target 155 program.
“Support Target155 aims to recognise the achievements of non-residential water users in dramatically reducing their water consumption, as well as encouraging all users to look at further ways of saving water,” Ms Barker said
Businesses wishing to sign up for Support Target155 will be offered a free water audit of their site which will identify potential water savings. For more information on the program, including simple tips which you can use at home visit www.target155.vic.gov.au or call 131 691.
