Thursday, 23 February 2023

South-Eastern Metropolitan Region water

Michael GALEA (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (17:26): (61) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Water, Harriet Shing. The action I am seeking is that the minister provide me with an update on how the integrated water management program and the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy will benefit local communities in the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region.

On 10 February I joined the minister at the Frankston Pines Soccer Club in Frankston North for the announcement of $1.3 million for the Monterey Recycled Water Scheme, being one of the nine projects sharing in $4.9 million in funding as part of the integrated water management grants program. Funding for the Monterey Recycled Water Scheme in Frankston North will provide 73 megalitres of water each year. The green spaces that will benefit from the recycled water include Eric Bell Reserve, Monterey Reserve, Pat Rollo Reserve and the National Golf Club at Long Island. I am particularly eager to see how the facility once built will be able to benefit local schools, community sporting facilities and other open spaces in Frankston beyond only primary areas that will benefit from this scheme.

I know that in the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region and across Victoria access to water is an ongoing concern. My electorate is a growth area, with increased needs for water for households, community spaces and infrastructure. The Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy outlines the need for water not only as a product of population growth but also as a safeguard against an expected drier climate generally and specifically to combat inevitable periods of drought. That is why I commend the scheme, which will cost a total of $4 million, partly funded by South East Water, Frankston council and the National Golf Club. It is expected to be completed by 2024, and I note that my colleague in the other place Paul Edbrooke, the member for Frankston, has been an advocate for this project too.

I am committed to advocating for and delivering better outcomes for communities in the South-East, which extends to ensuring better water sustainability as well as access to water these communities need. That is why I am seeking that the minister provide me with an update on how the integrated water management program and the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy will benefit local communities in the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region.