Stormwater Insights
Study: Green infrastructure performance and modelling
Analysing climate change impacts Adelaide council’s approach to stormwater management
SET 2024
8– 11 October 2024
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
SET 2024 provides an opportunity for knowledge sharing in the overlapping areas where stormwater influences the environment, where technology improves our understanding of stormwater and environment, and where gaps in environment knowledge could be measured and filled by technology. The National Conference is a collaboration of researchers, designers, scientists, engineers, legal professionals, ecologists, community, modellers, government and technology providers. It gives space for new research findings, and innovation in practice.
SET 2024, as the National Conference, is deliberately different. Delegates don’t have to be a traditional “stormie”. Conference themes include environmental law, policy, community resilience, IoT, and ecosystem processes, as well as erosion control, urban drainage, water sensitive urban design, nature-based solutions, modelling, water quantity and quality.
Registrations: OPEN NOW
Keynote Speakers
Dr Matthew Verbyla San Diego State University
David Topp Barristers in Law
Bernie Cockayne Reef Catchments
A/Prof Ryan Winston Ohio State University
David McCarthy Queensland University of Technology
Karen Johnston ManagedRecharged
• Pre-Conference Workshops
– What is SQIDEP & navigating the Verification Process?
– NSW Guidelines for the Maintenance of Stormwater Treatment Measures
– Developing a New Process to Streamline Stormwater Quality Reporting & Compliance across all stages of Development
• Technical Tours
• Social Events
– Conference Dinner
– National Excellence Awards
– Tangalooma Island Beach Day Cruise
Stormwater Insights is the official publication of Stormwater Australia Stormwater Industry Association Ltd ABN 59 093 578 164
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work. We pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging whose knowledge and wisdom have been protecting and sustaining our water and lands for tens of thousands of years.
On the cover:
The City of Canning, WA, won Stormwater Australia’s Excellence in Research and Innovation award and Excellence in Infrastructure award in 2022 for the Wharf Street Basin project, which transformed a fencedoff stormwater basin in Cannington into a community smart park.
Read about this and the other awardwinning projects on page 24.
President’s report
Welcome to the second edition of Stormwater Insights!
Thank you for the wonderful feedback on our first edition of the Stormwater Insights magazine. The diversity of content and graphic presentation were certainly well received, generating over 2100 impressions and 52 downloads on ISSUU, with an average read time of 5 ½ minutes. These are excellent results for a first edition and we owe a big thank you to our contributors for their engaging articles. Thank you also to Eve White, who is doing an amazing job of producing our magazine.
Unseasonal weather events
The last quarter has been eventful, marked by both exceptional stormwater challenges and significant progress within our association. From a stormwater management perspective, we’ve encountered many unseasonal weather events.
Since our last update, multiple records have been broken in all states. In Western Australia, the south-west moved rapidly from the lowest rainfall in more than 50 years to recordbreaking rainfall and flash flooding. Victoria has faced severe winds and flash floods, while Sydney has been battered by torrential downpours, receiving more than a year’s worth of rain in six months, leading to widespread flooding and evacuations. In Queensland and New South Wales, there have been heavy winter rains, with areas around Rockhampton recording an unprecedented 177 mm of rain in a single day in August – the highest ever recorded for that month.
The unpredictability of the weather continues to surprise us, with only one certainty: records will keep breaking. During such challenging times, a big shout out goes to our state emergency staff and volunteers nationwide. Their dedication and bravery in going ‘above and beyond’ to support our communities is truly commendable.
One of our feature articles in this
issue explores how these climate change impacts can be incorporated into WSUD modelling (see page 19).
Association initiatives
From the perspective of our association, many initiatives are underway. A task force is engaged in the long-awaited review of the SQIDEP program. This review aims to draw lessons from the experiences of SQIDEP so far, focussing on longterm governance and operational effectiveness. The task force comprises independent technical experts and key representatives involved in SQIDEP over recent years. We are also privileged to welcome two international members, representing the US Washington State Emerging Stormwater Treatment Technologies (TAPE) program. As one of the best-known programs in the US and one of the foundational models for SQIDEP, the insights from the mature TAPE program will be invaluable to our review.
We have also established a working group to review the long-term vision, operations and structure of Stormwater Australia. This group includes representatives from each state association and the Stormwater Australia Board. We look forward to their recommendations, acknowledging that our industry’s needs are constantly evolving. To stay effective and foster strong partnerships, we must continue to adapt. If you have suggestions for improving our operations or ideas for new areas of thought leadership, please contact your state president or any representatives on the working group.
In other news, we are working on a series of white papers, relating to diverse needs such as advocacy and knowledge sharing. In our next
edition, we will share more on these topics.
Countdown to the national conference
Finally, a reminder that our national conference, SET 2024, is on in Brisbane from the 8-11 October. You can find more details on our website Turn to page 13 of this issue to read about the technical tours, which feature some impressive projects.
In preparation for the conference, the state stormwater award winners are gearing up for our national awards ceremony. We’re eager to learn more about the outstanding projects from across the country. To give you an idea of the impressive range of projects celebrated by these awards, we will be showcasing last year’s winners as we approach the conference - turn to page 24 to read more.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the national conference.
If you have any questions or comments between editions, don’t hesitate to reach out via email, phone or on our LinkedIn page.
With thanks, Cath
Cath Thrupp President and Chair
For more information, visit the Stormwater Australia website
Executive officer’s report
Welcome to the second edition of Stormwater Insights − Australia’s premier independent digital magazine dedicated to the stormwater industry. While facilitated by Stormwater Australia, this magazine belongs to our industry at large, relying on regular contributions from members and stakeholders. We warmly invite you to share your expertise and submit stories for upcoming editions to our editor, Eve White. Additionally, we encourage suppliers of goods and services to advertise within these pages; the magazine provides a valuable platform to showcase your offerings to the stormwater network.
A note of appreciation for our members
As highlighted in Cath’s report, climate change remains a pressing challenge for our industry, underscoring the critical role of effective stormwater associations at state and national levels. We are fortunate to have a dedicated network of members and volunteers across Australia who generously contribute their time and expertise to protect our environment, serve their communities, and advocate for sustainable stormwater solutions. Their unwavering commitment is the backbone of our efforts, and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing support.
Improving our processes and systems
Stormwater Australia, as the national association, is determined to lead by example. We’re reviewing processes and systems to improve relationships and collaboration with state associations. I am pleased to report that all state associations have embraced the initiative, and we will share positive outcomes in future Stormwater Insights editions.
National conference
Looking ahead, our national conference, SET 2024, in Brisbane is just weeks away. This event brings together professionals from every sector of our industry to share knowledge, engage in meaningful discussions, and seek solutions to both current and emerging challenges. Organising events of this scale is harder in today’s economic climate, but industry-wide support remains crucial. This conference belongs to all of us, and we hope it will receive robust support from the stormwater community.
Attending SET 2024 is not just an opportunity it’s a necessity for anyone committed to the future of stormwater management in Australia. We’ve put together an impressive program featuring a wide range of topics, hands-on workshops, technical tours, and social functions, designed to give you valuable insights and practical knowledge. This conference will be a dynamic gathering of the brightest minds and most passionate professionals in our industry. Whether you’re looking to gain insights from leading experts, discover the latest innovations, or forge new connections, SET 2024 offers the perfect platform. Your participation is crucial in driving the conversations and collaborations that will shape our industry’s response to the challenges ahead. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the solution and contribute to the future of sustainable stormwater management in Australia.
An exciting highlight of SET 2024 will be the National Awards for Excellence presentations, which recognise outstanding achievements in our industry. These prestigious awards are determined from the winners of the state awards and will honour excellence across six categories:
• Asset Management
• Policy and Education
• Strategic or Master Planning
• Integrated Stormwater Design
• Research and Innovation
• Infrastructure
These awards are vital for our industry. They not only honour those who have made significant contributions but also inspire others to strive for excellence in their work. Showcasing best practices and successes within our community motivates us all to push the boundaries of what’s possible in stormwater management.
I, together with the Stormwater Australia directors, look forward to welcoming you to this landmark event at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 8 to 11 October 2024. With an impressive program of topics, workshops, technical tours, and social functions, SET2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience. For more information and to secure your place, please visit our event website at www.set2024.com.au
Bryan Ward Executive officer
Stormwater Australia news What’s happening at Stormwater Australia
Renomination of directors
Stormwater Australia directors are appointed for a term of three years. Cath Thrupp, Alison Carmichael and Peter Breen recently completed their three-year terms. Each has been reappointed for a further three-year term.
SQIDEP review
The Stormwater Australia board is currently reviewing the SQIDEP program. This review aims to improve governance and performance by learning from past experiences and other similar programs. The recommendations from the review will mainly concern aspects of governance, including management, risk, marketing and demand. It will not cover protocols or other technical issues, which are handled by the Technical Review Panel and the Governance Panel. These panels will
continue to operate as usual during the review period. The scope may change with the approval of the SWA Board as the review progresses.
To undertake this review, a voluntary taskforce has been established with the following invited members:
• Aaron Dowling
• Prof. Veeriah Jegatheesan (Jega)
• Doug Howie (Washington State TAPE program)
• Carla Miles (Washington State TAPE program)
• Justine Barrett
State and national working group
A working group has been established to review current arrangements that exist between the national office and our state associations. Matters under consideration include:
• Membership system
• Review of membership fees
• Financial arrangements between state and national associations
• Process of appointment of Stormwater Australia directors
• Dr. Kefeng Zhang
• Alison Carmichael (Chair)
• John Lavarack
• Mark Liebman
• Jane-Louise Lampard
• Cath Thrupp
• Peter Breen
• Marino Evangelisti
The first meeting of this working group was held in August. We’ll provide regular updates as the working group progresses.
Mark Gibson, President of Stormwater Queensland, was elected as chair of the working group and we look forward to providing updates in due course.
All in a day’s work
Innovation and adaption: A conversation with Darren Drapper
Darren Drapper, principal of Drapper Environmental Consultants, is a prominent figure in the industry with nearly 30 years of experience. We sat down with Darren to discuss his role, his career path, and his vision for the future.
Editor. What does a typical workday look like for you?
Darren. No two days are the same. Currently we have three prototypes going through our hydraulic lab, being tested against the SQIDEP Lab Protocol, NJCAT TSS protocol and Treatable Flowrates with synthetic stormwater. Other days we are doing WSUD designs, stormwater management plans, monitoring and proving lake water quality. In the background, we have SQIDEP field monitoring projects and our WATSOL Sewer Overflow technology.
Editor. Can you tell us about your career path?
Darren. I completed my Bachelor of Environmental Engineering at Griffith University at a time when the industry was still figuring out what to do with environmental engineering graduates.
Upon graduating, I missed the cutoff dates for the graduate programs, but a chance arose when I attended a university-hosted conference. There, I heard a presentation by Qld Main
Roads (now TMR) about concerns regarding water quality from their highways. With nothing to lose, I approached Peter Syson and said, “I’ll help you find out!” He told me to return with a PhD research proposal.
With guidance from Prof Rodger Tomlinson, I embarked on my PhD, graduating four years later. Since then, I have worked for the Qld Department of Public Works, Burchills Engineering Consultants, Humes, and now my own businesses.
Editor. What are the most rewarding aspects and challenges of your work?
Darren. Our work is on the edge of what has been done before. Often there is no protocol to follow, no manual or guidelines. That can mean many hours and iterations until we get it right. I’m learning every day.
It’s always a balance between cost and return on investment, and it is rewarding when a client’s project goes well and challenging when it doesn’t.
Editor. With the rapid changes going on in our world, how do you see your job evolving?
Darren. We are embracing technology in our workplace. We’ve deployed real-time sensors (IoT) that monitor soil moisture, dam water levels, sludge levels and flowrates at a fraction of the cost from even five years ago. But while AI and models can predict many things, they can’t replace empirical testing. Models are only as good as the inputs and assumptions, and we must understand those inputs and assumptions when interpreting the outputs.
As water quality continues to be a public concern, I think the industry will move from TSS, TP and TN to add emerging contaminants such as zinc and copper, PFAS and 6PPPDq.
“Our work is on the edge of what has been done before. Often there is no protocol to follow, no manual or guidelines. That can mean many hours and iterations until we get it right. I’m learning every day.”
I think there might be a resurgence of GPTs as microplastics reach the public consciousness.
Editor. What are some memorable projects you’ve worked on?
Darren. There have been a few interesting and unique projects over my career, for different reasons. The Intercontinental Hotel at Natadola, Fiji, was an amazing environment with a broad, international team; flying to Carnarvon Gorge in a single engine Cessna, through an electrical storm, to perform an environmental assessment of a road realignment; Genesis Residential Development at Coomera where the WSUD design won Engineers Australia awards; helping a small family business navigate the development application process through SARA for their composting facility. The most memorable, however, is the Fiona Stanley Hospital (Perth) Stormtrap installation - in its time, it was the largest underground detention and infiltration vault in Australia. Standing inside the finished 3 m, multiple megalitre caverns was impressive.
Study sheds light on green infrastructure performance and modelling
Eve White, Stormwater Australia
Sydney Water and E2Designlab have recently completed the second stage of a two-part study aimed at better understanding how green infrastructure reduces stormwater volumes and how accurate our models can be at predicting the performance of these systems.
Urbanisation leads to more frequent and larger stormwater flows. In Australia, the stormwater industry has traditionally focussed on stormwater quality, but the emphasis has recently shifted to include flow volumes. Flood management is also evolving, with an emphasis on storm event volumes over peak flow rates. Simultaneously, there is growing recognition of the need for a more natural hydrology in urban areas to protect waterways and support urban greening.
Green infrastructure addresses these challenges by reducing stormwater discharge and retaining water within the landscape. However, the performance and modelling of green infrastructure such as bioretention, green roofs and tree pits are not yet fully understood. Recognising this gap, Sydney Water in collaboration with E2Designlab recently completed the second stage of a study aimed at refining guidelines and modelling practices, especially concerning infiltration.
Lyndall Pickering, Sydney Water’s strategy manager for waterways and environment, said, “Although we understand the basics of how green infrastructure reduces stormwater volumes, there are still some gaps in our knowledge of performance – especially in Sydney, and the veracity of modelling for all situations. Our study is the most extensive review of biofilter hydrologic performance data that we know of.”
Key findings
WSUD is effective
Biofilters. Environmental engineer
Dale Browne, from E2Designlab, said, “The study confirms what many in the industry know through experience: that bioretention systems are effective.”
The study showed that on average across the international dataset, biofilters reduce stormwater volumes by 50 to 60%. However, their performance varies considerably based on design and environmental factors.
Dale emphasises that biofilters must be intentionally designed to maximise infiltration and evapotranspiration, and in Australia, we typically design small assets for water quality, but not for volume.
“Size relative to catchment and volume performance are correlated, and larger size ratios perform better. A biofilter sized at 1% of its catchment will be limited in what it can do for stormwater volume reductions – it’s a bit like installing a single solar panel on your roof. So, we shouldn’t pretend these assets designed for water quality are going to solve our volume reduction challenges,” Dale said.
However, apart from size, we can take advantage of other aspects of design to maximise performance, according to Dale. Distributed, long, narrow assets that have a long perimeter facing the landscape can infiltrate more water than a single square basin. Tree canopy can also expand the evapotranspiration surface beyond the footprint of a small tree pit. Green roofs. Green roofs are typically large relative to their catchment, and the report concluded that they can substantially reduce stormwater volumes from roofs – mainly through evapotranspiration. Climate, including rainfall and evapotranspiration, has a strong impact on green roof performance.
Passively irrigated tree pits. Tree pits retain a similar volume of stormwater to biofilters although this can also be enhanced through tree canopy. While they have been less studied than biofilters, initial studies indicate that for tree pits:
• avoiding waterlogging is important for tree health and survival
• inlets should be designed to maximise inflows while minimising sediment influx, and regular maintenance to manage sediment and prevent clogging is important.
• the soil and canopy areas of trees need to be considered as independent variables within modelling.
Infiltration is key
For biofilters, infiltration is the main means of retention. Designs can encourage infiltration even in slowdraining soils, by incorporating an unlined submerged zone to increase storage and evapotranspiration and this can be surprisingly effective. Integrating trees within and around bioretention areas can further augment water management by enhancing evapotranspiration.
MUSIC
models are (mostly) accurate
The MUSIC stormwater model is extensively used in Australia for designing biofilters. For effective biofilter design, users must be able to trust the model’s ability to accurately predict stormwater volume reductions and must know how to configure it correctly. Lyndall said, “One of the main aims of the second part of the study was to assess how accurately MUSIC models predict biofilter performance and how we can improve our modelling.”
The study evaluated how well MUSIC can replicate actual biofilter outflow patterns and predict stormwater reductions at three Melbourne sites, each featuring different biofilter designs. These sites varied in operational conditions including climate and catchment conditions, inflows and design configurations. MUSIC could reliably predict reductions in stormwater volumes for standard biofilter configurations when properly parameterised. It performs best with assets that have standard or typical designs that match the model’s structure although diverging asset designs were more challenging.
Non-standard designs present challenges
Non-standard designs, like biofilters with constrained outlets, passively irrigated tree pits, and green roofs, challenge MUSIC’s ability to accurately represent performance. Typically, biofilter design guidelines assume a free outlet, but using constrained outlets could enhance stormwater retention and allow better control of flow rates.
Using MUSIC for non-standard designs such as constrained or elevated outlets introduces greater uncertainty and variability in performance. This is also true for assets like green roofs and passively irrigated tree pits that deviate from typical biofilter models. Despite these challenges, MUSIC is still used, due to limited alternatives, but designers should consider sensitivity testing and possibly alternative models for verification.
Dale noted, “There is a clear opportunity to develop new or improved biofilter models that can accommodate a wider range of designs, and there are other existing models that already support some of these.”
Figure: Calibration of the MUSIC stormwater model to the Wicks Reserve biofilter.
The study offers specific recommendations for designers:
• Use a representative ‘exfiltration rate’, ideally determined by geotechnical testing of subsoil infiltration rates, although these can significantly underestimate or overestimate actual outcomes. Where feasible, conduct sensitivity analysis and post-construction monitoring.
• Adjust impervious fractions and soil parameters to more accurately estimate catchment flows, referencing calibrated values for the same or a similar catchment.
• Model saturated hydraulic conductivity conservatively (e.g., at 100 mm/hour) to assess treatment performance, but also perform sensitivity tests at the design’s specified range to gauge potential performance variations.
• Revise the PET (Potential Evapotranspiration) factor to reflect actual conditions. This factor is typically critical for assets with a large treatment area relative to the catchment (more than approximately 5%) or where the effective PET area significantly varies from the filter area. The default value of 2.1 is indicative for small to medium-sized biofilters and rain gardens, while lower values (down to about 1) may better suit large-scale biofilters or vegetated sponges.
Industry practices currently rely on deterministic use of the MUSIC model with a single input value, which ignores the uncertainty in performance outcomes. The study recommended a guide or an addition to existing guidelines be developed to direct the industry on necessary sensitivity testing. This guide should be created with contributions from both researchers and industry professionals to ensure it is both practical and thorough.
More field data needed
The report recommends that a program is established to support field monitoring of a proportion of constructed biofilters and other WSUD assets. The program should include model development, calibration and improvement to support assessment of performance and improved design guidance for biofilters.
Find out more
You can download the stage 1 review, Green infrastructure stormwater retention performance, here and the Green infrastructure stormwater retention performance report - Stage 2 calibration here
Green infrastructure is increasingly used to address urban stormwater challenges, but there remain gaps in our knowledge about its performance and how well it is represented by modelling. Photo: Taras Vyshnya / Shutterstock.
SQIDEP news
Updates on the Stormwater Quality Improvement Device Evaluation Protocol (SQIDEP), our national independent evaluation process for stormwater devices and technologies.
A reliable way for councils to choose stormwater treatment devices
As urban development accelerates, Stormwater Australia’s Stormwater Quality Improvement Device Evaluation Protocol (SQIDEP) offers councils a reliable way to verify stormwater treatment devices, ensuring effective water management and compliance with high performance standards.
Managing stormwater is a significant challenge for local councils. Rapid rates of development necessitate extensive stormwater pipe networks, often within constrained spaces. Industrial and commercial areas, such as service stations, present potential water quality risks to local creeks and downstream natural environments.
To mitigate these risks, various stormwater treatment devices have been developed to fit into tight spaces and treat water before it reaches natural water bodies. However, ensuring these devices deliver the required water quality outcomes has been problematic due to the lack of a standardised
performance verification process. This is where the Stormwater Quality Improvement Device Evaluation Protocol (SQIDEP) comes into play.
Challenges for councils
The rapid pace of urban development has led to the proliferation of stormwater treatment devices without a robust verification process. This means councils face the problems of:
• dealing with large numbers of development applications that include stormwater proprietary devices
Councils mandating SQIDEP certification
Several councils are now mandating SQIDEP certification for stormwater treatment devices to ensure that developers are engaging with verified stormwater devices prior to submitting development approvals. One of these is the Gold Coast City Council, which has incorporated SQIDEP verification into its planning scheme, requiring that proprietary devices used in design solutions be SQIDEP-approved.
Similarly, Logan City Council has mandated that all new developments must use SQIDEP-certified proprietary stormwater treatment devices. Certification must be provided before development approvals are issued, ensuring that only verified devices are utilised in new projects.
Brisbane City Council has also changed parts of their Infrastructure
design planning policy to include SQIDEP verification. They have provided a transition period (up until December 2024) for existing and new development approvals that include stormwater treatment devices, to be SQIDEP verified. These devices will demonstrate the required performance metrics of Brisbane City Plan 2014
We expect that other councils will follow. Stormwater Australia is available to work with local governments to provide any additional guidance that is required for SQIDEP or to
• no time, and sometimes no means, to rapidly assess the validity of proprietary device claims.
• no easy way of comparing the stormwater treatment claims of proprietary services.
• poor performance of existing underground devices, leading to ineffective stormwater management.
• high maintenance costs and efforts associated with devices that are performing poorly.
support any broader challenges that they are facing with respect to stormwater strategy and implementation across blue, green and grey stormwater assets.
Brisbane City Council has provided a transition period for development approvals that include stormwater treatment devices to be SQIDEP verified. Photo: info@padamsphoto.com / Deposit Photos.
The solution: SQIDEP
At the request of local government members, Stormwater Australia developed SQIDEP to address these issues. SQIDEP is not intended to replace local government stormwater planning or guidelines. Its purpose is to support local governments in understanding which proprietary devices have sufficient evidence to support their water quality treatment claims.
SQIDEP is an independent evaluation process to verify the performance of stormwater treatment technologies. It provides a uniform set of criteria for field-testing and reporting on the efficacy of stormwater treatment measures. The SQIDEP approval process involves:
1. Independent assessment: Devices are assessed by qualified independent parties, including universities and specialist engineers/scientists within the stormwater consulting field.
2. Rigorous field testing: Devices undergo rigorous field and laboratory testing to quantify their pollutant removal capabilities.
3. Independent verification: Independent evaluators verify the performance of these devices and provide a certificate that verifies performance claims.
Benefits of using SQIDEP-verified devices
• Credibility and reliability: SQIDEP approval ensures that devices have undergone thorough testing and peer reviews, guaranteeing that they achieve performance claims for pollutant removal.
• Consistency and standards compliance: Using SQIDEPverified devices helps councils comply with established standards and protocols.
• Improved water quality: These devices are tested for their efficiency in removing pollutants, significantly improving water quality and benefiting the environment and public health.
• Innovation and competition: The approval process encourages innovation and competition among manufacturers, leading to the development of more effective stormwater treatment solutions.
SQIDEP workshop: you’re invited
A SQIDEP workshop will be held on 8 October at SET 2024, Stormwater Australia’s national conference at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The workshop will also be live streamed for those who can’t make it to Brisbane. It will cover the following content:
• the background to the SQIDEP protocol
• the key principles of the SQIDEP protocol and evaluation process
• what SQIDEP does and does not do, and why
• how it helps regulators, designers, developers and suppliers
• the body of evidence and local field test pathways
• managing expectations (time, cost, outcomes)
• Performance assurance: Field validation over prolonged periods and multiple storm events ensures consistent device performance under various conditions.
• Transparency and accountability: The detailed approval process, including independent peer reviews and quality assurance project plans, ensures transparency and accountability. All evaluation reports and certificates are available on our website.
• Data-driven decisions: Extensive data collected during the approval process provides valuable information for informed decision-making regarding stormwater management strategies.
SQIDEP progress
Since SQIDEP’s implementation in 2020, Stormwater Australia has provided independent SQIDEP verification and approval for eight devices with another four currently under evaluation. Details of the approved devices can be found on the Stormwater Australia website
• selecting an experienced team
• finding a representative site
• selecting the appropriate monitoring/measurement equipment
• preparing compliant submission documentation
• the evaluators workshop
• the verification certificate
• the review process
• the dispute resolution process.
Registrations are now open on the conference website
Director profile: Alison Carmichael
Alison Carmichael has been an active member of Stormwater Australia’s board of directors since May 2021. She has a rich background in industry associations both as a director and senior executive, in diverse sectors such as irrigation, energy efficiency, forestry, vocational education, and product stewardship.
Alison lives in Canberra and works as a freelance consultant, drawing on her extensive experience in industry not-for-profit organisations to provide support in strategy, stakeholder engagement, communications, governance and accreditation. Through her varied roles, she has observed that industry associations,
regardless of their focus, share common issues.
‘I have always held at least one not-for-profit role, as a director or an executive, usually with industry associations like Stormwater Australia, and they all face the same challenges of trying to make an impact and deliver a wide range of services with very few resources,’ Alison notes.
Joining Stormwater Australia was a natural fit for Alison, given her experience with industry bodies in water and resource management. She identified a need for improved governance and has since overseen significant changes in the association. One notable success, Alison says, was the engagement of Bryan Ward as executive officer.
Currently, Alison’s most important role is chairing a comprehensive review of the SQIDEP program, set to be completed by the end of the year. Additionally, she is involved in a strategic review that could potentially return control of the organisation to its members. Alison reflects, ‘If successful, I will happily bow out
knowing the organisation is in better shape.’
Despite the remote nature of her interactions, Alison feels a strong connection with her fellow board members. ‘I have never met most of the other board members, but it is amazing how well we know each other and how well we work together after three years of online meetings.’
‘Industry associations all face the same challenges of trying to make an impact and deliver a wide range of services with very few resources.’
Outside of her professional life, Alison enjoys walking with her dog, coffee, and quilt making. She also has a new passion for singing. ‘I thought I could not sing but have found that my singing voice, unlike my speaking voice, is quite low and I was constantly being expected to sing out of my range,’ Alison said. She now sings in a choir and enjoys learning solo pieces by Ella Fitzgerald and Diana Krall, once the music has been transposed lower to suit her voice.
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Stormwater innovations up close: Technical tours at SET 2024
The Stormwater Environment and Technology Conference (SET 2024) is set to be a key event for anyone involved in stormwater management and environmental technology. It’s a great chance to share knowledge and explore the intersections between stormwater management, technology, and the environment.
The technical tours, scheduled for Friday 11 October, will be a conference highlight. These tours offer a unique opportunity to explore two exceptional projects that showcase how innovative approaches to stormwater management can benefit urban environments.
Hanlon Park: A transformation success
Hanlon Park, also known as Bur’uda, demonstrates the the transformative power of innovative engineering and community engagement. This project reimagines traditional infrastructure, showing how new approaches can lead to vibrant, climate-resilient urban spaces. Previously a concrete-lined drain, Hanlon Park is now a natural waterway that not only improves the park’s aesthetic appeal but also supports biodiversity.
The results are impressive, and the project’s success has been recognised through several prestigious awards, including the Stormwater Australia Excellence Award for Integrated Stormwater Design and the AILA National Award for Excellence in Parks and Open Space. Turn to page 26 to read more about this project.
Technical tours schedule
The technical tours will depart from the Brisbane Convention Centre on 11 October to visit two impressive sites: Hanlon Park and the Slacks Creek Recovery Project.
The schedule is as follows:
10:00 am: Departure from BCEC 10:30 am: Arrival at Hanlon Park
11:45 am: Depart Hanlon Park for Slacks Creek Recovery Project 12:15 pm:
Arrival at Slacks Creek Recovery Project
1:30 pm: Depart Slacks Creek Recovery Project 2:00 pm: Return to BCEC
The tour will visit the award-winning Hanlon Park/Bur’uda project, which transformed a concretelined drain into a natural waterway.
Slacks Creek Recovery Project: Revitalising an urban waterway
The ambitious Slacks Creek Recovery Project stretches 14 km through the city of Logan, south of Brisbane, and is a significant tributary of the Logan River. Historically known as Mungaree, or ‘place of fishes,’ this waterway has been the focus of extensive revitalisation efforts to improve water quality and ecological health.
The recovery work includes restoring riparian vegetation, improving bank stability, and constructing new wetlands and culverts. One of the notable features is the fishway installed at Paradise Rd, designed to overcome historical barriers and facilitate fish movement. Flood modelling was crucial to ensure that these modifications would not exacerbate existing flood risks. The revitalisation project has encouraged new developments to face the waterway, fostering a sense of community engagement and economic opportunity. Public artworks, recreational structures, and improved connectivity are integral aspects of the project, aiming to transform the creek into a lively and accessible urban asset.
A vision for the future
The technical tours at SET 2024 offer a compelling glimpse into how stormwater management and environmental technology can drive urban renewal and ecological sustainability. Delegates will see up close the innovative solutions that are reshaping our cities and improving our natural environments.
Find out more
To learn more, visit the conference website
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See the ambitious revitalisation work at Slacks Creek, which includes riparian vegetation restoration, improved bank stability and new wetlands and culverts.
Regional news What’s happening in the state organisations
Victoria
Stormwater Victoria Conference
In June, Stormwater Victoria held its main event for the year, the 2024 Stormwater Victoria Conference, at the Silverwater Resort in San Remo. The sell-out event was the culmination of many months of hard work by the conference and awards subcommittee.
Attendees were treated to fabulous keynote speakers: Peter Gillam, Leanne Reichard and Simon Waller, and panel members, Duncan Sheppard, Kirsten Tanner, Leanne Reichard and Adriana Keating, along with more than 40 presenters. Over two days the conference explored a range of ways we might harness existing technologies and reimagine how we manage stormwater in light of increasingly challenging conditions.
The conference was bookended by pre-conference workshops and post conference technical tour, which
were extremely well supported. On the technical tour, participants gained insights into the rewards and challenges of managing stormwater in the beautiful coastal region around San Remo. The tour heard from the Westernport Seagrass Partnership, Bass Coast Shire Council, and The Cape Development for diverse perspectives on managing stormwater in this unique environment.
This year also saw the return of the Stormwater Victoria Awards after a break last year; congratulations to everyone whose work was recognised by these awards.
Contact Stormwater Victoria at: office@stormwatervictoria.com.au
Queensland
Stormwater Queensland Awards for Excellence
Congratulations to all nominees and recipients of the Stormwater Queensland Awards for Excellence. This year, Stormwater Queensland
received 26 impressive entries showcasing the remarkable expertise, skills, and passion within our industry.
Early Professional winner: Kelen Marczak Polli
Kelen is celebrated for her work on major infrastructure projects across Australia, advocating for sustainable outcomes amid challenging political and collaborative environments. She has contributed to a positive industry culture through learning and innovation, raising awareness of diversity and opportunities within the industry and volunteer work.
Excellence in Infrastructure winner: E2DesignLab (with partners: University of Queensland, Landscapology, Ecosure, Golding, Webb Australia, and Peel Consulting)
The University of Queensland lake renewal project involved innovative designs that addressed stakeholder concerns and operational needs for the future. Despite challenges like
Stormwater Victoria Conference. The technical tour group visiting the Pioneer Bay Wetland with Simon Harris and Phil Pritchard of Bass Coast Shire Council.
inclement weather affecting the economic and environmental aspects, the project was successful due to excellent collaboration, innovative delivery and sound design.
Excellence in Integrated Stormwater Design winner: Engeny/Intrapack Property
The Whiterock Harvesting Pond and Natural Channel is recognised for its clever integration of land and water planning in a new urban development. This project transformed a degraded farm paddock into a naturalised waterway with sediment drop-out zones. It integrates bioretention systems that improve water quality and support biodiversity while providing flood mitigation.
Excellence in Research & Innovation winner: BMT/Alluvium (with partners Tuflow, Griffith University and Healthy Land and Water)
The project focused on visualising the source and fate of pollutants and integrating this information into software. This new modelling capability pre-empts a new era of waterway assessment, potentially setting new standards for environmental impact assessments.
Excellence in Strategic or Master Planning winner: Logan City Council/ Alluvium (with partners EcoFutures, Natural Capital Economics and Healthy Land & Water)
Logan City Council was recognised for reevaluating and enhancing its offsets program. This robust approach is designed to maximise the benefits of offsets, integrated into Logan’s broader catchment master plan.
Excellence in Policy & Education winner: Ipswich City Council
Ipswich City Council was commended for its review and improvement of
policies to better manage stormwater. The project improved transparency through online availability and reporting. The new processes are expected to improve environmental, social and economic alignment.
Excellence
in Asset Management winner: Brisbane City Council
Brisbane City Council was recognised for its excellent response to the severe weather in February 2022, undertaking nine large restoration projects around Kedron Brook. Their efforts have set a standard for excellence in managing the city’s environmental assets.
Contact Stormwater Queensland at: admin@stormwaterqueensland.asn.au
New South Wales
Have you checked out the WSUD Maintenance Compliance Framework?
Stormwater NSW is a proud supporter of the framework for Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Maintenance Compliance.
The WSUD website has information, resources, and tools that local governments can use to support the implementation of compliance programs that improve the maintenance of WSUD systems. To learn more, please register to join the WSUD Compliance Network. The network meets regularly to discuss updates to the framework. Register here
NSW Water Quality Governance Roadmap
The NSW Government has just released the NSW Water Quality Governance Roadmap outlining how the government is delivering improvements to water quality governance to achieve strategic and coordinated monitoring and management.
Roles and responsibilities mapping for water quality in NSW illustrates that water quality as a function is not the sole responsibility of any one agency or organisation. The analysis undertaken as part of the development of this roadmap found that over 30 agencies or organisations have either direct or indirect water quality functions.
The National Water Quality Management Strategy provides a national framework for improving water quality in Australia’s waterways. The main policy objective of the strategy is to achieve sustainable use of the nation’s water resources by protecting and enhancing their quality, while maintaining economic and social development.
Webinar: How much does WSUD and waterway management cost throughout the lifecycle?
Stormwater NSW is pleased to invite you to the next webinar in our funding series. Implementation of WSUD is difficult without having good knowledge of how much it costs from design all the way through to renewal. This webinar will go through some of the literature available and discuss if these costs are realistic or feasible under current funding paradigms.
Date: 25 September 2024
Time: 12.00 pm - 2.00 pm (Teams webinar)
Find out more here
Contact Stormwater NSW at: admin@stormwaternsw.asn.au
Regional news
Western Australia
SWA attends urban greening stakeholder workshops
The Western Australian State Government is developing an urban greening strategy to make Perth and Peel greener, cooler and more liveable. The Western Australian Planning Commission is leading the initiative, focussing on enhancing tree canopy and creating more green spaces in these regions.
A green city cannot be created without the ‘blue’. As climate change dries the environment and local
government groundwater allocations face a proposed 10% reduction by 2030, groundwater – the primary irrigation source – will become scarcer. To ensure long-term greening, we must consider water requirements and explore alternative and diversified water sources.
Stormwater WA is involved in the strategy due to its interest in how urban water management can support urban greening targets and ensure sustainable vegetation in cities.
Workshops have brought together state and local government, along with industry experts, to address the multi-disciplinary aspects of urban greening. These include urban
planning, engineering, environment and sustainability, landscape architecture, arboriculture, and community development. Recognised as a key stakeholder, Stormwater WA has joined working groups and consultations to shape a shared vision for a green-blue Perth and Peel and to address challenges in its implementation.
Feedback from a public survey and key stakeholders will refine the strategy, identify priority areas, and ensure alignment with existing urban greening actions. The strategy is expected to be finalised by the end of 2024.
Contact Stormwater WA at: info@stormwaterwa.asn.au
Stormwater WA has joined working groups and consultations to shape a shared vision for a green-blue Perth and Peel. Photo: Dudlajzov / Deposit Photos.
How to analyse climate change impacts in WSUD modelling
Mircea Stancu, Cleanstormwater
Stormwater treatment trains are typically designed based on historical data, leaving uncertainty about their ability to meet best practice environmental management standards in the future amid changing rainfall patterns and intensities. Cleanstormwater’s award-winning software, BoM The Builder (BTB), is helping industry professionals model and adapt to these changes.
Climate change is increasingly shaping the design and construction of built environments. This is also true for the stormwater industry, where the design of underground assets, expected to last 50 to 100 years, must now account for the shifting challenges of climate change to remain functional throughout their lifespan. For example, a pipe sized for current 20% AEP flows may not suffice for 20% AEP flows in 30 years due to the impact of climate change on rainfall and runoff patterns.
But beyond capacity concerns, what about stormwater quality?
Can stormwater treatment assets like bioretention, gross pollutant traps, sediment basins and wetlands, designed today, continue to meet the best practice environmental management (BPEM) standards for stormwater quality two decades from now?
Is
climate
change
currently considered in stormwater quality design and requirements?
Current modelling guidelines recommend using a rainfall dataset known as the meteo template (MLB) for WSUD modelling. This dataset should span at least ten years, and record rainfall data at six-minute intervals. This duration is chosen because it effectively captures dry, wet and normal rainfall periods. However, the MLBs are based on historical data – an example from Melbourne is shown in Figure 1.
This raises a critical question: How suitable are these MLBs for predicting treatment train performance in the face of climate change? If treatment
trains are sized based on historical data, how can we ensure that they will meet stormwater quality targets 20, 30 or even 50 years into the future? Climate change analysis can address this by evaluating treatment train performance under future scenarios. However, current industry standards do not mandate this type of analysis and it is seldom performed. As a result, the industry is left with millions of dollars’ worth of WSUD assets without any clear understanding of how they will perform under future climate change scenarios.
Generating an MLB for analysis
The industry needs a reliable way to generate climate change scenario MLBs for WSUD modelling. One tool available is BoM The Builder (BTB), an online software tool developed by Cleanstormwater. BTB facilitates the creation of MLBs for any location in Australia and can be accessed via an online portal at stormupdated.com.au The tool uses a map-based interface and includes a comprehensive database with all six-minute rainfall station data from Bureau of Meteorology (the Bureau) as well as a geogrid of evapotranspiration (ET) values, as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 1: MLBs specified by guidelines in Melbourne
Figure 2: Geogrid of ET values and distribution of rainfall stations in BTB tool.
Stormwater Insights
To generate an MLB, the BTB tool uses an automated algorithm that compares distance and elevation of each rainfall station to project location. It then calculates a weighted distance for each station, where stations with lower weighted distances receive higher rankings.
The algorithm proceeds to identify and fill in missing data by prioritising higher-ranked rainfall stations. For instance, as shown in Figure 3, it establishes a ten-year period (1959 to 1969) using data from the firstranked station. It detects four missing dates within this period and attempts to fill these gaps with data from the same station, outside of the ten-year timeframe.
If there is still missing data after the first attempt, the algorithm repeats the process using the next highestranked stations until all gaps are filled. This produces a complete ten-year, six-minute interval rainfall dataset automatically with no missing entries. Users also have the option to customise the period and intervals of the meteorological template generation to suit specific project needs and to view rainfall statistics, as illustrated in Figure 4.
A method to analyse climate change impacts
Once an appropriate MLB is obtained, we start by considering the three main characteristics of an MLB that are impacted by climate change: evapotranspiration, rainfall patterns and rainfall intensity.
Evapotranspiration
BTB uses a geogrid to assign unique monthly evapotranspiration (ET) values to each latitude and longitude across Australia. To account for climate change effects, we can apply climate change factors to the current Bureau calculations. According to the Bureau’s documentation, the primary data inputs for ET computations
include solar global exposure (commonly called global radiation), temperature, saturation vapour pressure at air temperature and actual vapour pressure.
We can further account for climate change by applying ARR Data Hub Interim Climate Change Factors to all temperature-dependant variables. This would result in the creation of multiple geogrids of ET values for each climate scenario and forecast year. Alternatively, changes in climate could be accounted for by using ET values from a different location. For instance, if Melbourne’s climate starts resembling Sydney’s, ET values based on Sydney’s data could be used for Melbourne.
Figure 3: Example infill algorithm.
Figure 4: The BTB interface displays rainfall data statistics and allows the user to adjust periods and intervals.
Rainfall patterns
The research predicts that climate change will decrease the frequency of rainfall events, leading to drier years, but increase the intensity of these events, resulting in more pronounced peaks on hydrographs. It suggests that in 20 to 30 years, Melbourne’s rainfall distribution will be similar to Sydney’s current rainfall distribution. So, we could create a meteorological template based on Sydney’s data to predict future potential evapotranspiration (PET) and rainfall distribution for Melbourne, but with an inappropriate mean annual rainfall.
Rainfall intensity
BTB enables adjustments to the mean annual rainfall in the MLBs it generates, accommodating predictions for drier or wetter climate. The rainfall datasets it uses record intensities at six-minute intervals. We can then apply interim climate change factors, similar to those used in ARR Data Hub, to these intensities for climate change analysis. For instance, in the previous meteorological template we can increase rainfall by 6.4% to analyse RCP 4.5 climate change scenario in 2050 at that location, based on ARR Data Hub data (Figure 5).
Find out more
• Find BTB and stormwater software tools here
• Learn about Cleanstormwater’s stormwater professional development here
• Learn about calculation of ET values in BOM geogrids here
• The Bureau of Meteorology’s reference evapotranspiration calculations can be downloaded here
• Access the ARR Data Hub here
An easy process to create climate change meteo templates
As an example, if research indicates that Melbourne’s climate in 20 years will closely resemble Sydney’s current climate, BTB allows climate change analysis as follows:
1. Generate an MLB for Sydney, capturing both PET and rainfall patterns in Sydney
2. Adjust the mean annual rainfall to more closely align with Melbourne’s current levels.
3. Compare the model results from the current MLB recommended for Melbourne with the adjusted Sydney MLB from steps 1 and 2.
Figure 5: Example interim climate change factors from ARR Data Hub.
Innovative stormwater management in urban Adelaide
Harsha Sapdhare, Space Down Under
Frederick Street site visit (left to right): Dr Harsha Sapdhare (Space Down Under), Ben Hall (City of Holdfast Bay), Dave Janzow (Water Sensitive SA), Liping Pan (Flinders University), Prof Huade Guan (Flinders University), Ian Seccafien (City of Marion) and Glynn Ricketts (City of Marion).
Two Adelaide councils, the Cities of Marion and Holdfast Bay, have installed 95 advanced kerb space inlet systems within their catchment. This initiative aims to reduce stormwater runoff by 10 to 15%, provide passive irrigation to the street trees, and harvest stormwater at source point through innovative stormwater management.
Adelaide’s Frederick Street catchment is one of many urban catchments that had underground drainage installed as part of the South West Suburbs Drainage Scheme in the 1960s and 1970s. This catchment overlaps the common boundary of the two councils and contains approximately 650 properties in the City of Marion and 22 properties in the City of Holdfast Bay.
Over the past two decades, the 48.7 ha catchment has undergone extensive infill development. A 2015 study by researchers at the University of South Australia revealed that this development has increased the volumetric runoff coefficient of the catchment by 10%, with a 16% rise in event peak flow and runoff volume. The research predicts an increase of 31.5% in the directly connected impervious area by 2040, potentially tripling damage from significant storm events if no development controls are introduced.
Low uptake of rainwater tank incentive scheme
The councils engaged Water Technology to conduct a water balance assessment for various rainwater tank configurations, and a financial analysis to identify the optimal scale and structure for an incentive scheme. Data analysis and modelling of the case study catchment showed that installing household rainwater tanks was the most cost-effective method to achieve the councils’ flow reduction target of 10%. Other options considered, such as large-scale raingardens, wetlands and biofiltration units, were found to be less effective.
Modelling showed that a 20% uptake of rainwater tank installations could achieve a flow reduction of 315 ML/year. The remaining discharge reduction could then be achieved through other WSUD strategies that retain stormwater in the landscape.
In early 2022, the councils launched a rainwater tank incentive scheme where residents were offered rebates to install or upgrade rainwater tanks. However, despite offering rebates of between $3000 and $5000, only five households completed installations, far below the necessary 20% uptake modelled to significantly impact stormwater flows. The low participation was attributed to constraints such as limited space, high perceived costs, and the absence of a pressing need for water conservation during non-drought conditions.
Kerb space inlet systems
The councils then turned to another approach – kerb space inlet systems provided by Space Down Under, a system that they already had in use although at a smaller scale.
The councils secured funding from the Green Adelaide Department of Environment and Water, which enabled them to install 95 advanced
kerb space inlet systems. These inlets can be installed in new or existing kerbs and connected to an infiltration system in the verge to provide passive irrigation for street trees. The systems, which were installed in May 2024, are expected to reduce stormwater runoff by 10 to 15%, provide passive irrigation to the street trees, reduce ponding problems and improve water quality. Street trees will now have access to water stored deeper in the soil, which encourages deeper root growth and supports a healthier urban ecosystem, improved air quality and reduced atmospheric carbon emissions.
Ongoing research to provide insights
Two Flinders University PhD students are conducting research on this catchment, supported by Hort Innovation grants. This data, collected over three years, will give the council valuable insights into how effective the hydrological impacts and efficacy of the new systems.
Photos top to bottom: Kerb Space inlets at Frederick Street, trench infiltration system with gravel medium, Kerb Space inlet harvesting road runoff.
Industry insights
Brief news updates from the stormwater industry
Pipe Management Australia expands capabilities with acquisition of Pipe Lining
Utilities management service provider Pipe Management Australia (PMA) has recently acquired Pipe Lining, a prominent infrastructure services company based on the Gold Coast. This acquisition is part of PMA’s strategic effort to expand its service offerings and cement its status as a leading provider of pipe rehabilitation solutions across Australia.
Pipe Lining, founded in 1996 by Anthony and Michael Barry, provides a reputable suite of services including Fold and Form, Spiral and Panel Lok lining, and Patch Liner repairs.
PMA anticipates that this acquisition will not only expand its product offerings but also create rewarding employment opportunities and bolster its commitment to quality and customer service.
“We are excited to now offer an unrivalled level of pipe rehabilitation product choices for asset owners and managers on Australia’s East Coast,” said Justin Johansen, CEO of PMA.
From the perspective of Pipe Lining, the merger represents a significant milestone. Anthony expressed his enthusiasm about joining forces with PMA, noting, “This acquisition offers tremendous benefits for our team and clients, providing access to PMA’s extensive resources and innovative technologies.”
By incorporating Pipe Lining’s resources and expertise, PMA is poised to address the increasingly complex needs of clients nationwide. With the acquisition, PMA now boasts the most extensive suite of pipe rehabilitation products in Australia.
Find out more on the Pipe Management Australia website
WSUD Maintenance Compliance Framework update
The WSUD Maintenance Compliance Framework consultation period ended in August. During the consultation period, Framework Project Lead Daniel Rider co-hosted workshops with Stormwater Queensland and
Stormwater NSW. These events brought together local and state government representatives and other stakeholders, such as catchment groups. Attendees discussed potential barriers and concerns for councils in implementing and operating WSUD maintenance compliance programs.
The barriers and concerns that were raised included resourcing, competing priorities, project integration, and stakeholder resistance. The next step is to look at how to address or reduce these barriers so councils can have a greater chance of improving the maintenance of WSUD assets within their jurisdiction.
There was a lot discussed and taken away from these events, and this will be shared with the industry soon. Find out more here
EIANZ 2024 Annual Conference 6
– 8 November 2024, Sydney
Environmental practitioners have seen a lot of change in a relatively short time within the industry. But what’s coming next?
Over the past 12 months, the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand Inc (EIANZ) has examined the short-term challenges facing our rapidly evolving profession. It’s now time to come together, review next steps, and ready ourselves for the next stage – and the one after that.
The EIANZ Annual Conference will brief delegates on the most important takeaways from each of EIANZ’s recent marquee events and the Commonwealth Government’s Global Nature Positive Summit, to be held in October.
We’ll bring our learnings together to find multidisciplinary solutions to complex problems.
• How do we balance the competing priorities of renewables with those of cultural heritage and biodiversity?
• Which of our industry’s systems and processes will soon be obsolete?
• How do we meet growing demand for environmental services while maintaining best practice?
Registration includes two days of the latest technical content, plus the option to attend your choice of exciting on-site experience.
Don’t miss this opportunity to ready yourself for what lies ahead.
Register here
Celebrating excellence: Stormwater Australia’s award-winning projects
Stormwater Australia’s National Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the stormwater industry, highlighting innovation, sustainability and excellence. The 2022-23 National Awards for Excellence were presented during the franc.sydney conference, showcasing remarkable projects that set new benchmarks in the field.
As we look ahead to the 2024 awards, which will be presented at the SET2024 conference in October, it’s a fitting moment to revisit the exceptional work of the previous winners.
Excellence in Research and Innovation and Excellence in Infrastructure
• Project: Wharf Street Basin Next Generation Community Park
• Organisation and partners: City of Canning, The Australian Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, Water Corporation WA, Drainage for Liveability, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Innovation Central, Curtin University, Urbaqua, Josh Byrne & Associates.
The Wharf Street Basin transformation in Cannington is an innovative stormwater management project that converted a fenced-off drainage basin into a lively public space. Part of the Canning City Centre Regeneration Program, the project connects the city centre to the Canning River and features a nutrient-stripping wetland system with native plantings to improve water quality. Advanced technology, including IoT sensors, monitors water quality in real-time and activates maintenance as needed, with data shared via the Open Data Portal.
The Wharf Street Basin project converted a fenced-off drainage basin into a biodiverse public space.
The site also prioritises community engagement, providing education through the ‘Smart Canning’ app and a pavilion developed with the Canning River Eco Education Centre. Designed for ecological resilience and climate change adaptation, the park boosts urban biodiversity, increases canopy coverage and mitigates local flooding risks, while providing a safe, enjoyable environment for the community.
This project sets a new standard for how constrained, previously inaccessible stormwater infrastructure can be transformed into biodiverse public spaces that serve both environmental and community needs.
Excellence in Strategic or Master Planning
• Project: Integrating recycled water and stormwater in the Mamre Road Precinct: A template for Australia’s largest water sensitive city
• Organisation: Sydney Water, NSW
The Mamre Road Precinct in Western Sydney is set to become a benchmark for water-sensitive urban development, driven by Sydney Water’s innovative integrated water cycle management (IWCM) strategy. This approach includes a third-pipe recycled water system that blends purified stormwater and wastewater across the 850-hectare industrial precinct. The strategy not only maximises the value of stormwater for specific end uses but also reduces infrastructure costs, enhances funding opportunities and significantly boosts the area’s liveability.
The IWCM strategy delivers impressive environmental outcomes, with a 70.2% reduction in stormwater flow and a 98% reduction in total suspended solids, far exceeding traditional stormwater management methods. Additionally, it achieves nutrient reductions of 91% for phosphorus and 87% for nitrogen, far higher than would be achieved by conventional approaches. By harnessing rainwater, stormwater harvesting and irrigation, the strategy limits increases in annual stormwater runoff volumes to less than 2 ML/ha/year, significantly reducing the precinct’s reliance on potable water and saving up to 2 ML/day of drinking water.
Flood management is integral to the plan, with naturalised channels and parkland mitigation strategies addressing flood risks while promoting green infrastructure, thus protecting local waterways and enhancing the precinct’s ecological resilience.
Excellence in Asset Management: Sydney Water
• Project: Johnston’s Creek Naturalisation
• Organisation and partners: Sydney Water, Thompson Berrill Landscape Design and Diona
This project involved naturalising a 610 m section of the Johnston’s Creek stormwater channel in Annandale. The Johnston’s Creek Naturalisation project focused on flood mitigation, waterway health, ecological restoration and community placemaking.
Sydney Water’s design, informed by an in-depth flood study, involved widening the original channel banks and replacing the concrete base with a meandering sandstone invert, enhancing flood management and habitat diversity. More than 24,700 native plants, including endangered saltmarsh species, were planted alongside the creek. Tidal rock pools were constructed to support estuarine species, attracting native birds and marine life.
The project also enhanced community access and connection to the waterway with new paths, boardwalks and seating, which were widely supported by the community. Additionally, educational initiatives like student mural painting fostered a deeper public understanding of natural waterway environments. Interpretive signage highlights the heritage and ecological value of the creek, strengthening the relationship between the community and the revitalized waterway.
Artist’s impression of Mamre Road Precinct.
Excellence in Integrated Stormwater Design
• Project: Norman Creek Masterplan: Hanlon Park / Bur’uda Waterway rejuvenation
• Organisation and partners: Brisbane City Council, Epoca Constructions, Bligh Tanner, Tract, Core Consultants, ebb, Litoria
The Hanlon Park/Bur’uda project in inner-city Brisbane revitalised a century-old concrete drain into a naturalised waterway, reflecting a shift in social values and engineering approaches. It showcases how innovative engineering can transform urban spaces to better adapt to climate change and enhance community well-being. The collaborative design process involved extensive community engagement, ensuring the park met local needs while maintaining safety and accessibility.
Key elements include large-scale excavation to create a meandering waterway, the planting of 462 trees and 43,000 shrubs, with improved pathways, all contributing to a cooler, more inviting public space.
This design uses plants instead of rock for erosion resistance where possible, and major flooding events since construction have proven the resilience of the approach. The experiences of this project will provide evidence to support more natural landscape treatments in other waterways.
The project also focused on ecological restoration at the estuarine and freshwater interface, improving fish passage, habitat quality and overall waterway health benefits. Postconstruction surveys showed a significant increase in native fish species and birdlife, indicating improved water quality.
The project utilised the latest advances in flood modelling technology, making its realisation possible. Previous, more simplified methods of flood modelling had deemed the project unfeasible, predicting adverse impacts on adjacent properties. However, Hanlon Park/Bur’uda showed exceptional resilience to floodwaters during the severe weather event in February 2022.
The Hanlon Park/ Bur’uda project in inner-city Brisbane revitalised a centuryold concrete drain, showcasing how innovative engineering can transform urban spaces.
Excellence in Policy and Education
• Project: Improving construction management practices and protecting our waterways - construction management and waterway protection taskforce
• Organisation: Sunshine Coast Council
Construction sites contribute significantly to sediment pollution, accounting for 40% of the sediment entering Moreton Bay. This pollution has contributed to a notable decline in the health of three major water catchments on the Sunshine Coast: Mooloolah, Maroochy, and Pumicestone. In 2018, a council report identified major gaps in effective erosion and sediment control (ESC) practices in the area.
To address these issues, the Sunshine Coast Council initiated a three-year pilot program to improve construction practices and ESC compliance. A dedicated taskforce was established to develop educational and regulatory strategies aimed at improving the health of local waterways, wetlands and the ocean by managing sediment discharge from construction sites.
The program’s main objective was to foster a culture of learning and adherence to ESC regulations within the construction industry. This was achieved through collaborations with key industry groups like Master Builders and developers. The initiative not only disseminated crucial information but also aimed to normalise ESC compliance. Integrating behavioural management, regulatory practices and environmental knowledge, the program produced significant positive outcomes, including:
• an increase in initial compliance rates from 30% to 60% within the first year, marking a record high for the Sunshine Coast Council.
• increased adoption of best practice erosion and sediment controls, such as High Efficiency Sediment (HES) basins, which can achieve up to 99% reduction in sediment.
Congratulaions to all winners
Stormwater Australia would like to congratulate the 2022 award winners on their outstanding achievements. We look forward to exploring these projects in greater detail through case studies in upcoming issues of Stormwater Insights.
Editorial contributions
Dr Eve White
White Editing eve@whiteediting.com
0410 147 331
Advertising
Brian Rault BCB Media brian.rault@bcbmedia.com.au 0411 354 050
Design Pablo Francis Pabs & Co pablo@pabsandco.com
EDITORIAL POLICY: Articles will be published at the editor’s discretion. The editor reserves the right to edit, withhold or reject any material.
DISCLAIMER: The advice and options in the articles published in Stormwater Insights are those of contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Stormwater Australia or the editor. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of the material presented.