Popular park in Kingsley becomes waterwise

Barridale Park in Kingsley was recently redeveloped with waterwise design principles, new irrigation technology, hydrozoning and a smart meter funded by the Gnangara Waterwise Councils Grant Program as part of Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan – Waterwise Perth action plan 2.

The City is committed to achieving its target under the Gnangara Groundwater Allocation Plan of reducing groundwater use by 10 per cent from 2028. Projects like Barridale Park’s waterwise redevelopment will help the City achieve its groundwater target.

Prior to the waterwise redevelopment project, Barridale Park had a high-water usage to support its active sporting grounds for both local cricket and junior AFL clubs. The popular park also contains playgrounds, exercise equipment, picnic areas, accessible and public toilets, disabled parking and dogs are permitted off lead. It is a park enjoyed by many, and it will continue to be enjoyed as the City reduces its water use in response to a changing climate.

Development of the waterwise landscape at Barridale Park included hydrozoning, which is the practice of grouping types of vegetation into categories with similar water requirements, with the purpose of reducing overwatering. As part of the work, the City has also installed a new automated bore meter reading system, which has been estimated to reduce groundwater consumption at Barridale Park by 21 per cent. This will provide the City with extensive information to inform decision-making and promptly alert the City to any issues that may be contributing to overuse or loss of water.

This initiative complements the central smart control groundwater irrigation systems that have been installed in City public open spaces since 2020.

The City is committed to reducing groundwater use by 10 per cent from 2028. The City has achieved continued endorsement as a Gold Waterwise Council and was awarded Platinum Waterwise Council of the year in 2022.

Projects like Barridale Park’s redevelopment incorporating the use of new waterwise technologies and principles will help the City’s ambition to reach its waterwise targets. By working together with State Government, we can achieve a waterwise future.

Visit our website if you want to help create a cool, green and waterwise future by learning about the City’s water management or implementing your own waterwise actions at home.