A new water recycling system at Melbourne Park will reduce the precinct’s water use by 72 per cent, the Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty said this week.

The water system and extensive landscaping works were the first elements of the Melbourne Park redevelopment to be completed.

Works completed to date include a new precinct-wide storm water recycling system, major landscaping works and the creation of a new events area to improve patron amenity and sustainability of the Park.

When fully operational the new water recycling system is expected to save 45 megalitres, or 18 Olympic swimming pools, worth of drinking water each year and reduce the precinct’s annual mains water use by an average of 72 per cent.

Speaking on site during a tour with the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell, Delahunty said: “The Melbourne Park redevelopment project is transforming Victoria’s world class sporting and entertainment precinct."

Delahunty said previously most stormwater from the site had flowed directly into the Yarra River.

“Under the new system, water will be stored in a 4.5 megalitre underground tank built underneath The Oval between Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena.

From there, the water is treated and will be used to irrigate the extensive gardens and trees around the precinct as well as for cleaning tennis courts and flushing toilets,” he said.

The Oval and western edge of Melbourne Park had been extensively reworked.

“A great new events space has been created on the Batman Avenue side of the precinct with the Riverside Deck overlooking the Yarra, lovely views of the city and a permanent grassed area for marquees,” Delahunty said.

“In addition, a grand staircase has been built from the Rod Laver concourse down to The Oval, which now makes it easier than ever to get around the precinct.

“There are 41 new trees and more than 24,000 new plants have been sown around The Oval and the western edge of Melbourne Park.

Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust chairman Russell Caplan said: “The landscaping really lifts the visual appeal of The Oval and the underground water harvesting system minimises the precinct's water consumption."