Milestone drink tap at reservoir park

THE one hundredth Choose Tap drinking fountain has been installed by Central Highlands Water.

With 99 others across the region, CHW’s latest tap will service visitors to the Gong Gong Reservoir Park.

CHW managing director Jeff Haydon said the water utility is dedicated to improving community health and wellbeing and is not only offering hydration to those at the park, but support for cyclists.

“In addition to the new drinking fountain, we have installed our first bicycle repair station, to encourage all recreational cyclists, including children and families, to access the park via the Yarrowee River Trail and maintain their bicycles, while benefitting the ongoing hydration and health of the community,” he said.

“As part of the new amenities, we are not only encouraging hydration, but are committed to reducing single-use plastic waste, by providing community recreational users with the opportunity to easily refill reusable drink bottles.

“Together, we can do our part for the environment and make the sustainable choice to Choose Tap.”

Ballarat Scenic Cyclists’ secretary Gary Bunn often rides by Gong Gong Reservoir Park and said the new bike repair station will be invaluable.

“There are similar stations I’ve seen along the Skipton Rail Trail… and if you leave your own pump behind, they’re essential,” he said.

“Occasionally you have a slow leak, so having a pump here is really helpful. It’s a wonderful resource.”

Choose Tap ambassador, Olympian Steve Moneghetti, said he enjoys running the Yarrowee Trail and will be able to use the new water fountain at Gong Gong along the way.

“The Yarrowee Trail is a hidden gem. It will be used even more so because of what we’re introducing, using, and welcoming today,” he said.

“In my sport and my life, water’s really important. It affects your mental concentration and physical wellbeing. Seventy per cent of our body’s also made up of water.

“Fifty per cent of plastic bottles end up in landfill… For us to focus and encourage people to use tap water is a no-brainer.”

The new drinking fountain also features artwork by Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Billy-Jay O’Toole, titled Managing Country Together.