CRCWSC presents to Central West NSW Councils on water security

On 22 May 2014, Ross Allen (a Project Leader in the Adoption Pathways program) attended a joint meeting of the Central West Salinity and WQ Alliance, Centroc Water Utilities Alliance and Lower Macquarie Water Utilities Alliance held in Parkes, NSW. The meeting, attended by approximately 25 executives and managers from Central West councils representing the three regional alliances, provided a forum for identifying opportunities for closer collaboration and to hear first-hand from the CRC for Water Sensitive Cities (CRCWSC).

Ross presented on CRCWSC research, synthesis and influence, through the lens of the United Nations’ new working definition of water security. David Waddell and Chris Devitt (from Orange City Council) also presented on the participatory master planning process undertaken for South Orange that will guide the development of a 276 ha urban release area on the outskirts of Orange. The master plan and associated development control plan seeks “to avoid a pattern of ad hoc urban subdivision which could lead both to divisive community debate and piecemeal decision-making”.

A key point of discussion at the meeting was how to manage additional reporting requirements from the NSW Office of Water on indicators for demand management and water sensitive urban design (WSUD) implementation. Central West councils are grappling with how to collect and report information across different organisational groups, and how these indicators might be used to drive water sensitive outcomes. While each organisation has different drivers and resources, collaboration and knowledge sharing between councils provides an effective means of addressing existing and new challenges. It is apparent that a key strength of the Central West councils is their willingness to share knowledge and resources through formal and informal networks, including the three regional alliances, for the collective benefit of their communities.

The CRCWSC appreciated the opportunity to meet and engage with Central West councils on advancing water sensitive initiatives, and to discuss how the growth of regional centres can be enabled while also enhancing sustainability, resilience and liveability. The CRCWSC looks forward to ongoing engagement with the Central West councils of NSW on their transition to water sensitive cities and towns.