The Blackwater golf course will light up green as Central Highlands Regional Council completes the Blackwater Irrigation Upgrade Project.
The project reduces the amount of grey water released into Sagittarius Creek from the Blackwater Sewage Treatment Plant to comply with environmental legislation. Council installed fully automated irrigation-evaporation systems in two stages across four sites and a total of 63 hectares.
Councillors visited Blackwater last week to inspect the completed project.
Mayor Kerry Hayes said the project provides not only an effective solution for council, but also a value-added benefit for the community golf course.
‘It was identified in 2016 that council needs to reduce the amount of grey water released into Sagittarius Creek to comply with environmental legislation,’ he said.
‘We looked for areas to install irrigation and evaporation systems to release the water and identified suitable sites at the old Hunter Street sports field, the Blackwater Sewage Treatment Plant, the golf course and vacant state government land between Sagittarius Creek and Blackwater Cooroorah Road.
‘The entire project consists of more than 900 sprinklers, across all sites that can be monitored and operated from anywhere via a mobile device.
‘An eight mega-litre evaporation pond at the golf course site doubles as a new feature for golfers, along with an irrigated area that will serve as a driving range.
‘It was logical step to include the golf course into the project.’
Blackwater Country Club Manager Jasmine Ward said the project is thankfully received and improvements will attract players and events.
‘Due to the harsh conditions, with lack of rain at times, the course can often be dry and patchy,’ she said.
‘Improving the club and golf course will create a better course that people may travel to use and will also make events such as the Blackwater Open and PGA ProAM a much more respected event.
‘The members all seem very happy with the irrigation and improved course.’