Water supports the wellbeing of rural and regional communities. It makes towns more liveable and provides places to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature. Water is fundamental to creating greener, cooler and more attractive urban spaces.
Water restrictions and periods of extreme heat place stress on many gardens and green assets in public spaces. Coliban Water supplies water to maintain the condition of home gardens, sports fields, parks, green spaces, water bodies and public trees. Because customers expect to be able to maintain green assets during dry period, we need to work with communities and land managers to ensure our urban landscapes are green and water sensitive.
The Victorian Government expects water authorities to plan for, and provide, water services that consider recreational values. Coliban Water recognises the importance of water to community liveability and wellbeing. Some Coliban Water storages have the potential to be used for recreational purposes.
Considering recreational values in water management will ensure that we can provide water services that improve the recreational value of public spaces. Working in partnership with other organisations will be crucial to ensuring communities have access to water for relaxation, play and adventure.
The outcomes of this strategy direction to achieve our 2030 vision will be:
- Green and attractive private gardens and public spaces
- Community objectives for recreational water are well understood
- Coliban Water’s assets contribute to recreational values
- Water is easily accessible in public spaces.
- Optimise water use and ensure our urban landscapes are green and water sensitive
- Improve access to water by connecting to walking and cycling amenities in the region
- Identify key assets with recreational value and maintain and promote their use
- Work with other organisations to assess and plan for recreational water use
- Ensure assets support recreational objectives.
