A historic Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by Hunter Water, Newcastle Jockey Club and City of Newcastle, investigating the potential use of recycled stormwater to irrigate the Newcastle Racecourse.
The three-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) offers the potential to save 55 million litres of drinking water each year, which is the equivalent annual use of 365 households.
The MoU represents the potential for stormwater to be captured from an existing branch of the Styx Creek stormwater channel that flows under the Newcastle Racecourse before it is diverted into storage ponds in the racecourse’s infield.
An onsite treatment system would treat the stormwater to a standard required for irrigating the grass tracks and dust suppression.
The MoU parties will also look at the possibility of installing pipelines to neighbouring council-owned parks and sports fields, including Learmonth Park, Darling Street Oval, and Adamstown No.1 Oval.
Minister for Lands and Water, Kevin Anderson, said the MoU signing was a key milestone for investigating the project and aligned with Hunter Water’s transition to a circular economy.
“We know what can be achieved when different organisations come together to improve life for their community … the work that will be possible through this MoU will include a top-quality racecourse and improved playing fields for football and soccer,” Anderson said.
“The work that Hunter Water is doing with the support of the NSW Government will give the people of Newcastle access to world-class facilities and fit-for-purpose solutions to secure water for the future.”
Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes, said the stormwater harvesting project was a great water-saving initiative that complemented the direction of the City of Newcastle’s new Environment Strategy.
“Through drought and COVID, we have all gained a new appreciation of the immense value of our green public open spaces, Cr Nelmes said.
“This MoU and the ongoing investigations into the feasibility of this stormwater harvesting project supports our aim to create long-term water efficiency initiatives and reduce the use of drinking water for irrigation purposes in favour of alternate water sources.”
Hunter Water’s Managing Director, Darren Cleary, said the MoU outlined the next steps the parties would take to develop the scheme.
“As a collaborative, the three parties will now work through the scheme’s design and potential funding streams,” Cleary said.
“The MoU reaffirms Hunter Water’s intent to take an integrated approach to reduce demand on our drinking water supply while meeting our community’s water needs and improving our region’s resilience.”
Newcastle Jockey Club CEO, Duane Dowell, said that if the MoU succeeded, it would develop the local stables complex into a leading facility for thoroughbred horse training.
In the meantime, Dowell said Newcastle Jockey Club was proud to showcase the opportunity of innovative water solutions to Newcastle and the region.
“As the three parties to the MoU investigate this project further and work through the complexities of design and funding arrangements, Newcastle Jockey Club is excited at the prospect of a sustainable, long-term water supply initiative to irrigate our tracks while also supporting the local community to help irrigate soccer fields and cricket ovals.”
The tripartite MoU will operate for two years, while a more detailed analysis is undertaken to determine and quantify all costs and benefits.
This will enable the parties to assess whether the scheme is viable to proceed.
Maia O’Connor