Two semi loads of East Gippsland hay made their way from Kalimna into the state’s south-west following a donation by East Gippsland Water from its own farms.
This marks the second time East Gippsland Water has donated hay to support the state’s farmers in need, reinforcing its commitment to helping rural communities during tough times.
East Gippsland Water managing director, Michael Wandmaker, said the hay is grown using recycled water for irrigation, delivering a great environmental benefit with a strong social outcome.
“It’s a practical example of sustainability in action and the circular economy: turning water reuse into support for communities in need,” he said.
The donation will be distributed through the Lions ‘Need for Feed’, a volunteer-run program that provides emergency fodder to farmers and rural communities impacted by drought, flood and other natural disasters across Australia.
“We’re proud to support farmers doing it tough and we’re pleased to contribute to such a worthwhile initiative,” Mr Wandmaker said.
“Lions Need for Feed has previously supported East Gippsland farmers during challenging times of drought, fires and floods. This donation is our way of paying it forward to assist others in need.”
East Gippsland Water is one of the best performing water corporations in Victoria when it comes to recycling water, achieving a reuse level of 99 per cent from its wastewater treatment plants and often reaching 100 per cent. All the recycled water produced by the corporation is directed at beneficial reuse, with a focus on protecting the environment.
As well as being used on
East Gippsland Water’s own properties to irrigate pasture and tree plantations, it is used by third parties such as sporting facilities. It also benefits wetlands including the internationally significant Macleod Morass near Bairnsdale.
