Last year Mount Street COM applied for an Australian Government Community Water Grant to install rainwater tanks at the House. We were very fortunate to receive a grant in the first round of applications. 

The Mount Street Water Saving Project is well under way. Three rain water tanks have been installed, two 5000 litre tanks and one 1000 litre tank. Thanks to Savewater.com.au we purchased the tanks from Downpour.com.au at wholesale price and they were installed by Shearman's Plumbing last year.

		The 1000 litre tank is more visible on the north side of the House. The intention is to display our involvement in water saving with this tank as the larger tanks on the south side of the House are not easily visible. This smaller tank will eventually provide water to a herb garden.
This photograph is one of the two 5000 litre tanks we've had installed on the south side of the House. Both have been placed on Lilydale topping with a treated pine boarder. The second tank is right behind this one.

Monash City Council have been incredibly supportive in providing their very high profile staff from Urban Design and Archicture, Infrastructure Strategy and Horticultural Services to assist with implementing the project. As a result and with very little irrigation required, new garden beds are being prepared to accommodate drought resistant plants, clear the area of weedy trees and enhance the surrounds of the House.

Plantings are expected to take place sometime in April or May, depending on weather conditions.

Plans are well underway to implement a water flushing system at the House using rainwater from the two 5000 litre tanks already installed. Mains water will only be used when there is insufficient water in the rainwater tanks.

Mount Street Neighbourhood House is preparing a number of workshops relating to water saving/grey water implementation, sustainablity and energy efficiency. All of this will be advertised on this page and at the House as it becomes available.

2007 DIARY
January
The garden beds have been marked out. Andrew and Kelly, gardeners from the Council who take such very good care of the property, have been using an organic spray to kill off the grass in preparation to cultivation

February
Michael Grant and his team from the Council cut down and removed the weedy trees along the northern fence towards Mount Street. The area is now much lighter and will allow grass to grow there again when we get enough rainfall.

March
Permission has been granted to allocate Federal Water Grant Funds to install a water flushing system at the House and we anticipate that this will be installed in the very near future. At the same time, filters will be fitted to all the taps to decrease the flow of water.

May
Flow restricting filters have been fitted to all the taps in the House. The water flushing system is in the process of being installed.

Monash City Council are in the process of making the House "Energy Efficient" over the next 12 months.

June
Installation of the water flushing system has been completed. Rainwater from the two large tanks is being used for flushings. Drought resistant plants and trees are in the process of being planted.

August/Septmber
Most of the gardens have been planted and will be completed in early September. All hot water systems have been replaced for energy efficiency and interior and exterior lighting is in the process of being replaced.