Irrigation project tees up better greens in Winchelsea

THE greens at Winchelsea Golf Club will stay greener for longer, after the completion of an irrigation project across the nine-hole course using recycled water.

The club used a grant from the state government and support from the Surf Coast Shire as well as $62,000 of its own funds to install the sub-surface irrigation and then connect it to Class C recycled water – which is much cheaper than drinkable water – from Barwon Water’s Winchelsea water reclamation plant.

The irrigation system was officially unveiled at a ceremony at the clubhouse last week.

Winchelsea Golf Club’s Luke Tresize said the new system will keep the golf course looking healthy and well maintained, even during summer.

“The course suffers in hot weather, but the new irrigation system will ensure our members and visitors can enjoy lush greens all year round.

“Our connection to recycled water means we can maintain the course at a fraction of the cost and operate more sustainably by making the most of the renewable resources available to us.”

Barwon Water acting managing director Jo Murdoch said the water authority was proud to partner with customers to provide an inexpensive and sustainable water source.

“Water is a precious and valuable resource. We’re committed to recovering as much water as we can through our treatment processes and reusing it to support local businesses to bring their water costs down.

“Using recycled water offers overwhelming cost benefits to businesses and saves perfectly reusable water from going to waste.”

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the state government’s $75,000 contribution was from its Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.

“It was pleasing to see that there has been so much money just put aside waiting for that opportunity for a state grant that might be able to complement it and bring this dream – which has been in the back of people’s minds for a long, long time- into reality.”

Shire councillor Heather Wellington said the golf club was a massive asset for Winchelsea.

“The more people we get in Winchelsea, the more water we will have (in the reclamation plant). Who knows what other projects we might be able to do in the future using that really precious resource?”