First touch-free drinking fountain for our region
Published on 13 November 2020
Dunolly will become the first town in the Coliban Water region to have a ‘touch-free’ drinking fountain available for community use.
Coliban Water Executive General Manager Customer, Community and Stakeholder Affairs Lauren McLean said the fountain was installed earlier this month in Gordon Gardens and has touch-free sensors, which allow the user to refill a drink bottle.
“This fantastic initiative was delivered in partnership with Central Goldfields Shire Council, allowing community members and visitors to Dunolly to stay hydrated while out and about – and most importantly, do so in a safe way.
“The current environment has meant many public drinking fountains have been temporarily closed to ensure the health and wellbeing of our communities. Safer alternatives for public drinking stations are now starting to emerge, as the industry and suppliers respond to community needs,” Mrs McLean said.
Central Goldfields Shire Council Chief Administrator Noel Harvey said council is always looking for ways to innovate and provide safe, smart services to its community.
“The touch-free sensors on this fountain have allowed us add this piece of infrastructure to Gordon Gardens for the benefit of local residents.
“We’ve delivered a number of significant upgrade works to the Gordon Gardens precinct recently – including the basketball court, pump track and outdoor exercise equipment as part of the State Government’s Healthy Heart initiative - and so this drinking fountain complements this work and will mean our Dunolly community can keep hydrated whilst active.”
Mrs McLean said there is also numerous benefits of drinking tap water with a refillable drink bottle.
“Drinking tap water is a great alternative to bottled water while contributing to a healthy lifestyle. That’s what the Choose Tap campaign is all about. We know there are benefits for not only your health but also the environment and your pocket.
“Our communities are moving towards a sustainable future as we all look to reduce our plastic use. This new fountain will become a valuable piece of community infrastructure that will encourage refillable drink bottle use instead of single-use plastic bottles.
“This project also supports our Strategy 2030 plan, in particular working towards healthy people and environment, and also green and active communities. Water underpins our liveability and this addition to Gordon Gardens provides increased amenities for the community.”
Coliban Water is working with councils to install more touch-free drinking fountains in the region.