WITH water at a premium in Mitchell Shire, reduction in water usage at Broadford’s recreation precinct is high on the agenda, with a new recycling project on the way.

The council’s Leisure and Wellbeing Manager Gerard Feain said new infrastructure would be installed at the precinct to collect rainwater from the leisure centre roof, for use in toilets and on the nearby baseball diamond.

The $53,058 project received a helping hand last week, with Seymour MP Ben Hardman announcing a $35,372 State Government grant towards the cost.

“The provision of an alternative water supply proposed in this project will help ensure that recreational facilities in the Broadford Leisure Centre precinct can be kept in a safe and playable condition all year round, thus ensuring the long-term future of sporting organisations such as the Mitchell Majors Baseball Club,” Mr Feain said.

Mr Hardman said the project was among 54 projects to receive funding from the latest round of the Government’s Drought Relief for Community Sport and Recreation Program.

“There is no doubt the drought has forced us to think of new ways to keep sport alive in the face of climate change,” he said.

“The Drought Relief for Community Sport and Recreation Program provides grants to help local communities and councils develop sustainable approaches to water management, so we can continue to use our local sporting facilities.

“Through this initiative, we are helping sporting facilities meet the challenges of climate change, so that grassroots clubs can continue to provide opportunities for active participation, whatever the weather brings.”