Proposal To Harvest Storm Water At Torquay Golf Club
Article by RACV
Torquay Golf Club members will be encouraged to learn that Council officers have recommended to the Surf Coast Shire that they approve in principle the RACV’s proposal to harvest storm water from Council’s storm water pipes within the Jan Juc Creek catchment, pursuant to State Government policy.The RACV proposal is consistent with the State Government’s Central Region Sustainable Water Policy and is supported by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Council has not previously had to process or make a decision on a stormwater harvesting proposal.Council Officers have been diligent and thorough in completing a comprehensive review of the RACV proposal including commissioning legal advice and independent peer reviews of the proposal. In considering the application, Council Officers sought advice from a range of agencies including Southern Rural Water, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.Since the application was lodged with Council in September 2009, RACV has cooperated fully with Council throughout the review process, consulted extensively with key stakeholders, provided detailed reports regarding engineering design, water flows and environmental impacts and commissioned further consultant reports when requested.In their report to Council, Council Officers stated that “on balance, the harvesting of stormwater with appropriate management and monitoring can actually contribute to the long term health of the Jan Juc Creek system.”Sue Blake, the RACV Executive General Manager, Member Interests said “This is a very important decision for Council. The proposal will facilitate long term improvements in the Jan Juc creek system by removing high stormwater flows that degrade the creek environment further, whilst ensuring a sustainable supply of water for the Golf course that will improve the amenity of play for thousands of players each year.”The 1,200 members of Torquay Golf Club are eager to see this matter resolved in order that the long awaited works on the course can commence.”Works on the course are poised to start immediately approval from the Surf Coast Shire for the construction of the pipeline is granted. RACV has appointed Geelong construction company Civil Force to carry out the initial works to ensure a flying start to the project.The redevelopment of the Torquay Golf Club includes a redevelopment of the golf course including construction of two new dams, a new irrigation system for the whole course, reconstruction of nine greens and 13 tees and associated bunkers and fairway improvements. The works will be staged over a three year period, with members able to play 18 holes throughout the project. The course will also be revegetated, with 130,000 mainly indigenous native species of trees, shrubs and ground covers to be planted as part of the project.The Torquay Golf Club facilities include new changes rooms, Golfers lounge, spike bar, golf facilities and pro shop. A resort style facility is to be developed including accommodation, leisure facilities (indoor pool, tennis courts, gymnasium, games room, day spa and wellness centre), a 170 seat restaurant and café, a conference centre and function rooms for up to 200 people.The project is expected to take three years to complete.”The M Torquay project is a major investment for RACV, delivering a spectacular and prestigious tourist and recreational facility in one of the most iconic and beautiful coastal regions of Australia,” said Ms Blake.”Based on our experience at other RACV Resorts, we anticipate significant growth on visitors to the Torquay area as a result of the project, including a boost in interstate and international visitors.”The Torquay community will benefit from a surge in jobs during the construction phase, and the creation of approximately 100 new jobs in the longer term,” she said.”This project continues RACV’s proud tradition of supporting Victorians for more than 100 years, providing jobs and creating a first class facility for RACV’s two million members.”About RACV:RACV offers a wide range of emergency roadside assistance packages for cars and other vehicles including caravans, trailers, bicycles and motorbikes.
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