Sport
6 January, 2025
Council rejects water extension
Central Highlands Water is aware of the requirement for Powercor to attend the Beaufort Golf Course site to finalise the connection and operation of the new recycled water pumps.
Central Highlands Water is aware of the requirement for Powercor to attend the Beaufort Golf Course site to finalise the connection and operation of the new recycled water pumps.
A CHW representative advised the delay is due to issues between the energy retailer and Powercor.
Central Highlands Water has recently informed Council officers that good dialogue is now occurring, and all are hopeful of a timely resolution.
Central Highlands Water has liaised directly with the Beaufort Golf Club to implement an interim water supply arrangement but the club has told council officers that the arrangement is not keeping up with demand and the majority of water is being lost to evaporation.
Council holds a license to utilise water from the lake for irrigation purposes and the ability to remove up to 30 megalitres per year which equates to 10% of the lake’s capacity.
Due to the particularly dry winter and spring, lake levels are currently very low and are below 50% of full supply level.
Council’s December meeting was told the Beaufort Lake provides exercise and recreation resources in an accessible location and is also home to many native wildlife species and an important water resource for migrating waterbirds at various times throughout the year.
The lack of access to the onsite water resources at the Beaufort Golf Club creates a significant risk of total loss of greens due to
underwatering.
Rectification and in some cases replanting and reseeding of the greens and surrounding gardens would require a significant financial investment to recover in the order of $40,000 – $50,000 per green.
Both the Beaufort Golf Course and the Beaufort Lake and surrounding precinct are significant tourism drawcards for the Pyrenees Shire, enhancing the liveability of the local community.
Councillors discussed the matter at their December meeting and decided to decline the request to use water from the lake due to the current dry conditions.
However, councillors did agree to support a limited supply of water from the lake to support the golf club in the event all other sources of water are exhausted.
Council has also agreed to work with Central Highlands Water and Powercor on behalf of the Beaufort Golf Club to expedite the resolution of the power connection issues for the recycled water pump.