Central Highlands Water (CHW), Ballarat City Council and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) have released the draft Ballarat City Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP).
The plan assesses the entire urban water cycle to help Ballarat address the challenges of climate change and population growth in the future, while supporting healthy, resilient, liveable communities.
A number of short-term opportunities have been identified for improved water management outcomes to support the vision of the city, alongside a range of options to better use stormwater and recycled water in the servicing of new urban growth areas.
Chair of Central Highlands Water, Jeremy Johnson, said the IWMP will drive efficiencies in water usage and support maintaining the long-term water security outlook.
“This plan will allow all water agency partners to more effectively manage and adapt to climate change and population growth,” Mr Johnson said.
The plan was developed in collaboration between major project partners including the City of Ballarat, the CCMA and CHW, with the support of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
Other stakeholder groups involved in the planning and design process include, Committee for Ballarat, traditional owners, local land developers, engineering and planning consultants, volunteer groups, educational institutions, and large water users.
