4 AUGUST 2011
The $4 million Gisborne Recycled Water Scheme (GRoWS) has been announced by Water Minister Peter Walsh.
The project will be funded by the state government’s Regional Infrastructure Development Fund ($1.27 million), Western Water ($2.72 million), and a $278,000 contribution from future recycled water customers.
The scheme will supply up to 250 million litres of Class B recycled water a year to agribusinesses and private landholders in the area.
The project is estimated to bring annual benefits to the region of $4.1 million, including around 50 new jobs (nine full-time and the rest part-time and casual) and a boost for the tourism industry.
It is also estimated to return 97 million litres a year of environmental flows to Jacksons Creek, water that until now has been captured for irrigation.
Detailed design of the scheme is now under way, with construction expected to start later this year.
Businesses taking part in GRoWS include Pitruzzello Estate, Bindi Wines, Gisborne Peak Wines, Mount Gisborne Cherries, Mount Gisborne Wines, Moora Farm and Adalia Park Nursery. Six private landholders in Gisborne South are also participating, and there is the potential for more businesses and landholders to access recycled water in the future.
Previously these businesses had to rely on tanks, dams and bores for water as there is no reticulated water supply in Gisborne South.
It is estimated that having access to recycled water will increase the turnover of these businesses collectively by around $2 million to $4 million a year.