THE OUTLET
e-Newsletter August 2020
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Message from the Vice President - Sarah Watkins |
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Welcome to the second instalment of our reinvigorated and aptly named Stormwater Victoria Newsletter, The Outlet. It seems remarkable that since our last newsletter, things have changed even more, with Victoria now in the midst of unprecedented restrictions.
Whilst that phrase – unprecedented changes - is bandied around, it certainly rings true. The societal shifts that have taken place over the past month are unmatched in memory. But what is just as remarkable is the way in which we’ve been able and willing to adapt. It shows that such monumental changes are indeed possible, and that should bring both comfort and hope for the future.
The way we work, live, relax and connect with one another looks completely different. As restrictions have tightened over the past weeks, it has shown just how important access to quality green space is to the community, for mental wellbeing, exercise and social connection (at an appropriate distance, of course).
Perhaps you yourself have taken the opportunity to grow veggies at home or have found a new waterway to explore. With a lack of options available, and fewer commitments to fill our weekends, the essential nature of our blue-green infrastructure has crystallised. If this situation was to extend into summer, the importance of these cool, shady places for people to seek refuge will only be greater.
This year has shown us just how vulnerable our systems can be, and that those unlikely events can indeed occur (widespread bushfires AND a global pandemic, what are the chances?), and that we need greater resilience to future shocks. Stormwater plays a huge role in this future, particularly in water security, but also flood management and urban planning.
Whilst we are very much still in the thick of it, when faced with such challenges and changes ahead, both opportunity and hope arise. I wonder what the other side of this pandemic will offer us, what choices we will be faced with and how we choose to act: reducing waste, spending more time outdoors, or even significant reform of the design and density of housing and open space.
What is the ‘new normal’ for stormwater that we want to see on the other side? How can we be pro-active, pre-emptive and purposeful in creating that new normal when the opportunity presents itself? The next time you’re taking your daily walk, reflect on what you’d like that future to be, and what role each of us, and Stormwater Victoria can play in creating it. We’d love to hear your thoughts, and beyond that, work with you to make it happen!
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Zero Litter to Ocean Initiative
Stormwater Victoria is a proud supporter of the 'Zero Litter to Ocean' initiative instigated by our buddies in Stormwater New South Wales and our members Oceans Protect.
With over 50 nation-wide organisations signing up, we aren't alone in the plight to save our oceans from the litter and plastics that seem so easily disposed of in our communities.
- The latest version of the policy paper;
- Logos of over fifty organisations that have already provided ‘in principle’ support; and
- A “Where does stormwater go” educational video, recently developed by Ocean Protect.
This has been the product of significant liaison with several federal and state government politicians and support staff, as well as ongoing liaison with other organisations seeking further information in relation to the pressures and potential solutions to litter/ plastic pollution in our ocean and waterways. So, if you'd like to know more, head to the website or get in touch with us and we'll connect you with the organisers.
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Outstanding in Our Industry
It seems like a lifetime ago, but it was as recently as the end of last year when we held our latest Victorian Water Awards ceremony, in partnership with the Australian Water Association, at ZINC in Federation Square. It had a great turnout and many truly impressive water project submissions from across the industry.
Although we’re all living low key at the moment, relatively speaking, connecting through remote conferencing platforms and social media, we are all, no doubt, looking forward to a time when we can get together, in person and once again celebrate our industry’s achievements. In the mean-time, however, we thought we could take a minute to reflect back on a couple of our truly outstanding water projects.
Remember, this is just a taste of the amazing industry work showcased that night. For a list of the other award winners, visit the Stormwater Victoria website.
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Excellence in Research and Innovation - Winner
Knox City Council – Pollution Prevention Program, Enhancing Our Dandenong Creek
Melbourne Water
The Pollution Prevention Program was developed by Melbourne Water through the Enhancing Our Dandenong Creek program.
Delivered collaboratively between 2013-2020, the project includes both research and new technologies to isolate and identify the sources of pollution entering the Upper Middle Dandenong Creek catchment.
The purpose of the project was to reduce sources of pollution and improve the ecological condition of the receiving waterways.
A key achievement of the program is the implementation of an Australian first live pollution detection network, developed through a highly collaborative partnership with multiple key stakeholders and research partners.
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Excellence in Policy and Education - Winner
Our Future Cities: 2018 Interdisciplinary Design program
Our Future Cities, Loci Environment & Place
The Our Future Cities 2018 program broke new ground in education and capacity building for Australia’s future sustainability and water sector leaders.
Through its conception, formulation and implementation, Our Future Cities played a critical role in “de-siloing the future” by bringing together leading urban sustainability and integrated water management professionals from across government, industry, research, community and non-government institutions to work alongside some of Victoria’s best and brightest students from diverse universities and disciplines.
The interdisciplinary student competition focused on the Arden Urban Renewal Precinct. This unique site challenged students of diverse backgrounds to work collaboratively to revitalise the industrial areas of North Melbourne and create vibrant neighbourhoods that reflect best practice stormwater management and interdisciplinary design innovation.
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Meet the Speaker
Following on from our July Webinar 'Smart Technology: Talking Tanks for Water Conservation, Flood Management and Environmental Baseflow', we caught up briefly with Dr David Bergmann and Sainath Tavate, who formed half of our discussion panel. If you missed the webinar, please watch the recording on the Stormwater Victoria website.
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Sainath Tavate
Sainath Tavate is a qualified Engineer who has worked in the stormwater and construction industry for over 16 years. He is currently a part of the stormwater team at Knox City Council. Sai’s professional career includes Capital Projects Delivery, stormwater and water sensitive urban design, strategical asset management, construction management, developments and program Management in various Victorian Councils.
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Dr David Bergmann
David Bergman is Research and Development Manager with South East Water. David has a PhD in Chemistry and has worked in a diverse range of organisations and industries – with experience in product development from chemicals to detergents, food and now water and wastewater.
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SV: Thanks again for sharing your work and knowledge about the application of Smart Tanks. Lets start with the basics, how did you get interested in water?
Sai: I developed my interest in water during my Bachelor's degree, this was further strengthened during my Masters degree at RMIT.
David: I was recruited into SEW to help organise their R&D activities. At the time, I had no idea the diversity of projects and technology I would end up getting involved with.
SV: And how long have you been at your respective organisations? During the webinar, it seemed like you’ve both carried your projects through various stages. And what’s your favourite ‘Sounds boring’ but is actually interesting task?
Sai: I have been working in Victorian councils for more than 11 years. My favourite ‘Sounds boring’ task is scoping of the works, however, it’s actually really interesting task, as I get to interact with many stakeholders, understanding community expectations and delivering sustainable solutions for the betterment of the waterways, environment and local community. It gives me that feeling of connectedness with nature and community.
David: It’s nearly 5 years now. Managing the intellectual property portfolio (patents, trademarks, registered designs etc) is generally boring, but secretly it is actually fascinating - the structure and language of patents.
SV: Woah! That does sound fascinating. So, apart from smart tank technology, what else have you been working on? What has been your favourite project in the past? And Why?
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Sai: There have been many interesting projects I have delivered in Victoria. However, the favourite project I was part of is the construction of Bollygum Park in Kinglake after bushfires. This place is linking local community of Kinglake and surrounds to its nature and habitat. I have gathered valuable learnings while delivering all aspects of this project following bushfires. It was really challenging to manage people during those challenging times and achieving community expectations. However, I provided the sustainable outcomes in those complex environments benefiting local community, waterways and natural habitat.
David: It’s not water related, but I did a project optimising Party Mix for the Natural Confectionary Company – that was fun for all sorts of reasons. On the water-front, Aquarevo is the standout, and I have also really enjoyed the projects we have done to develop solar and battery energy systems for remote pressure sewer installations.
SV: It seems like you both have worked on so many interesting and varied projects. During your down-time, what’s your favourite stormwater/recreational spot to take your family/friends?
Sai: My favourite recreational spots are Toorongo Waterfalls and Brighton Beach. These spots are really calming and gives me that feeling of being connected to nature and water.
David: Pre-COVID-19, I would enjoy doing Park Runs around Lilydale Lake, and when the kids were young the play equipment at Ringwood Lake was popular.
SV: Thanks again for getting involved with our webinar and dedicating your time to keeping the industry informed on current technologies.
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August Events
Stormwater Victoria Annual General Meeting
Run by Stormwater Victoria
Thursday, 27th August 2020
12.00 noon - 12.30 pm
Location: Online – Zoom
Open to all Members
Please attend and nominate for the 2020/2021 Committee. This is a great opportunity for members to make a valuable contribution to the Association and we welcome nominations from all interested parties.
If you would like to be on the committee, please send your completed Committee Nomination documents to office@stormwatervictoria.com.au by no later than 5.00 pm on Thursday, 20th August.
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September Events
WSUD Audit, Maintenance
and Rectification Insights for Assets 5-15 Years Old
Run by Stormwater Victoria and Stormwater Queensland
Thursday, 17th September 2020
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Speaker: Ralf Pfleiderer
Location: Online – Zoom
Proudly Sponsored by:
Wave Maintenance
Please keep an eye out for registration details via the Stormwater Victoria website.
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