11 August 2009
In the lead up to the inaugural AFL Green Round, the Western Bulldogs have kicked off the Support Target155 campaign in Footscray, using the recently redeveloped Whitten Oval to promote its commitment to saving water to the community and hundreds of organisations across Melbourne’s west.
Player Dale Morris was on hand to showcase the recent multi-million dollar redevelopment which transformed Whitten Oval into a state-of-the-art training facility, and highlights the Western Bulldogs’ commitment to saving water.
Club Chief Executive, Campbell Rose, said that highly recognisable organisations like the Western Bulldogs had an obligation to lead by example in the area of water conservation, and new billboard overlooking the facility reiterates the club’s support for the water saving campaign.
“There’s a myth that it’s businesses that are using all of Melbourne’s water, when in fact, households in Melbourne use twice as much as all the non-residential water users across the city.
“From the outset of the redevelopment here at Whitten Oval, saving water has been one of our overriding principles, not only throughout construction, but importantly, our ongoing water needs,” Rose said.
“The development has enabled us to dramatically reduce our water consumption, helping us to save money in the process.”
Whitten Oval showcases several practical water efficiency and environmental friendly measures, many of which can be copied in and around the home.
“Instead of showers that gush 20 litres per minute, players now wash under 3-star showerheads using only 9 litres a minute, saving thousands of litres of water each week and we’ve fitted flow restrictors on taps and installed dual flush toilets.”
Mr Rose said further water savings were achieved through the capture of rainwater collected from the 1000 square metre roof, which will also supply irrigation water.
“Our first step was to resurface Whitten Oval with drought-resistant grasses – a mix of couch and rye – which cut irrigation needs by 70 per cent, and with our tanks now supplementing our irrigation, it allows us to keep the facility in optimum condition.”
City West Water Managing Director, Anne Barker, said Melbourne businesses of all sizes are being encouraged to participate in the Support Target 155 program.
“Support Target155 aims to recognise the achievements of non-residential water users in dramatically reducing their water consumption, as well as encouraging all users to look at further ways of saving water,” Ms Barker said
“Melbourne’s non-residential customers have reduced water consumption by about 38% since 2000, and this program aims to encourage all businesses to look at ways to save water.”
Businesses wishing to sign up for Support Target155 will be offered a free water audit of their site which will identify potential water savings. For more information visit www.target155.vic.gov.au or call 131 691.