Western Australian aquatic facilities recognised for commitment to saving water

The Waterwise program commitments of Western Australia’s council-owned aquatic centres have been celebrated at a recognition event co-hosted by the Water Corporation and the Western Australian Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).

Marking the achievements of Western Australia's top waterwise councils and aquatic centres, the event saw the City of Armadale, City of Gosnells, Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes and Town of Claremont were all welcomed as new waterwise councils, with the Town of Claremont, City of Belmont and City of Albany receiving special recognition as a gold waterwise council.

Western Australian Water Minister Dave Kelly also named the cities of Bayswater and Cockburn as Platinum Waterwise Councils of the Year for their sustained commitment to water efficiency.

To achieve gold recognition, endorsed Waterwise Councils must have a Water Corporation approved waterwise verge policy; all aquatic centres within their local government area endorsed as Waterwise Aquatic Centres, and an established Water Management Team within the council.

Platinum Waterwise Councils of the Year also need to provide a range of initiatives they have completed that year that align with the Water Sensitive Cities goals and indicators.

Minister Kelly also congratulated the City of Canning for claiming Water Corporation's Community Choice Award for its Wharf Street Basin Next Generation Community Park. Chosen by public vote, the park was among six innovative projects showcasing water-efficient design.

The Waterwise Aquatic Centre Program, created in partnership with the Leisure Institute of Western Australia Aquatics, saw 15 aquatic centres achieve gold recognition for delivering best practice water management planning, and achieving industry benchmarks for water efficiency.

This is the first time specific aquatic centres have been recognised at the event.

The impacts of climate change have seen a 20% reduction in rainfall in the state's south-west since the 1970s, meaning the state can no longer rely on rain alone to meet our water needs, and dramatically affecting where precious water supplies are sourced from.

Advising that the impacts of climate change will force local governments, businesses and the community all have a role to play to protect and adapt the way we use water, Minister Kelly commented “by encouraging local governments and aquatic centres to improve water efficiency, Water Corporation and the McGowan Government are helping to secure precious water resources for all Western Australians.

"Aquatic centres are an important part of communities right across the State, so it's great to see so many going above and beyond to find new ways of saving water.

"As climate change continues to have an impact on our water supplies, never has it been more important for local councils and aquatic centres to lead by example and help entrench waterwise actions across the community."

Waterwise Council Program 2021 recognitions

Platinum Waterwise Council of the Year - Awarded to a council demonstrating innovation and achievements over and above gold requirements. To be eligible, the council must be an endorsed Gold Waterwise Council.

Community Choice Award - Chosen by the community as the council most deserving of recognition for their nominated Gold Waterwise Council project.

The Waterwise Council Program was introduced by Water Corporation and DWER more than 12 years ago. A total of 46 councils are now endorsed through the program, with eight councils this year recognised for 10 years' participation.

To find out more about the Waterwise Council and Aquatic Centre Programs, visit www.watercorporation.com.au

Image: Bayswater Waves.