New drinking fountains for Geelong

VISITORS to prominent South Geelong recreation facilities will enjoy better access to fresh drinking water thanks to a $50,000 handout from VicHealth.

The City of Greater Geelong used the grant to install 11 drinking fountains within the Kardinia Park precinct and John Landy Athletics Field.

Users can either drink directly from the fountains or use the bottle-filling taps to top up their water carriers.

The project follows an initiative by VicHealth, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and Barwon Water to establish 10 drinking stations within GMHBA Stadium.

City mayor Bruce Harwood said the new fountains will make it easier for people to access water while on the go at Geelong’s key recreation facilities.

“This is a great initiative, as water is clearly the best choice for your health and your hip pocket,” Mr Harwood said.

The city’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2018-2021 revealed that, on average, greater Geelong’s population drank less water than the recommended daily amount.

Data also indicated about 35 per cent of greater Geelong adults consumed sugar-sweetened beverages at least once a week.

VicHealth acting chief executive Lyn Roberts said the foundation was proud to partner with the COGG to extend access to healthy, fresh drinking water.

“We want to make it easy for residents to access tap water instead of sugary drinks. Water is great for us, free and now even more accessible,” she said.

“With nearly two-thirds of Victorians currently overweight or obese, reducing your intake of sugary drinks is one way to promote a healthier diet and improve health, prevent tooth decay and help reduce plastic waste.”

The fountains are branded with the G21 region “Choose Water Every Day” campaign messaging.