Queensland stadiums halve water consumption

Queensland's sporting and entertainment venues are saving 80 Olympic swimming pools of water a year, through innovative measures to reduce water consumption.
As Queensland Sport Minister Judy Spence explained this week, "the seven venues owned and operated on behalf of the Queensland Government by Stadiums Queensland have cut their combined water consumption by more than 50% in the past three years.
"All Queenslanders have made an outstanding effort to help conserve our precious water resource and Iâm pleased that Queenslandâs stadiums have also achieved major reductions, of an estimated 200 mega-litres a year.
âOur sporting and entertainment facilities play an important role in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, so it is fitting they lead by example in reducing water consumption and looking after our environment.�?
Minister Spence added that in 2007 the Queensland Government invested almost $2 million in reducing water consumption and improving water storage at Stadiums Queensland facilities, stating âvenues have incorporated a range of new environmentally-friendly measures such as installing rain-water tanks and retrofitting venues with water-saving devices.
Projects include:
*At the new $160 million Skilled Park on the Gold Coast -three 320,000 litre storage tanks which harvest rain water from the stadium roof to irrigate the playing field and for general stadium cleaning. Water savings have also been achieved by using improved turf species that are more resistant to drought and by watering deeper and less frequently.
*At the Gabba - a one million litre tank was installed underneath the playground of the neighbouring East Brisbane State School as a result of creative thinking to find space to accommodate the large tank.
Minister Spence concluded that âwe will continue to incorporate innovative and efficient water-saving measures into new and existing facilities, so we can continue to meet our targets for a smarter, greener Queensland.�?