- - 20 October 2004

The developers of Australia's only drought proof suburb in the south east of Melbourne, which is recycling over one million buckets of water a day, said it makes both commercial and environmental sense to implement recycled water into residential projects.

Mr Stephen Head, Managing Director of the Links Group said, "The water recycling program at Sandhurst Club, the showcase of Victoria's water recycling program, is years ahead of any other proposal, already operating for eighteen months in the first stage."

"The second stage which brings on line the residential component will be the first large scale residential project in Victoria to demonstrate the Victorian Government's vision of recycled water early next year."

Sandhurst Club, a lifestyle development project being built by the Links Group will become home to 4,500 people in 1850 residences and features two championship golf courses.

Function of Recycled Water at Sandhurst Club

Recycled water from the South Eastern Treatment plant is curently being used on the golf course, parks and open space, and the main boulevard.

"In the next couple of months through the third pipe system we will be making recycled water available to residents for their gardens and for flushing toilets, which makes up about 50% of an average household use," Mr Head said.

"We commenced the planning of the project five years ago and we are pleased to see government policies nationally catching up with the original concept to create a drought proof suburb with integrated sustainable environmental strategies to conserve energy and water."

Mr Head said that whilst announcements of government in relation to compulsory five star energy and water saving in houses is welcomed, the major issues which need to be addressed by the planning areas in government is a recognition that the delivery of environmental policies requires master planning of major developments of new suburbs.

"To be successful in the future environmental planning of new suburbs requires a different planning and funding model to sustain high quality environments."

"The Links Group sustainability model introduced on the multi award winning Sanctuary Lakes project and Sandhurst Club sees all people purchasing and building on the projects having their housing plans approved by the architectural review committee."

Victorian Minister for Water, John Thwaites, tees off at Sandhurst Club
for the initial launch of the recycled water program March 2003.

Mr Head said whilst governments can set environmental policies the real delivery of such policies will come from the private sector to deliver the outcomes on the ground such as Sandhurst Club and Sanctuary Lakes Resort.

"In our view it makes both commercial and environmental sense to commit resources to recycled water and other environmental sustainable activities."

A PDF copy of Sandhurst Club Water Recycling Program is available at www.sandhurst.com for download.

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Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Links Group
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