Current Water Sensitive Performance
The population of Goulburn and surrounds is growing, attracted by the region’s affordability and relaxed lifestyle. The Goulburn Mulwaree Council area currently has over 29,000 people based on the 2016 census. The population is expected to increase to 34,400 by the year 2036, with Council planning for 38,000. This population growth will result in more houses and increased urban development, impacting the water supply and wastewater sewerage system capacity. An increase in housing will lead to more impervious surfaces, affecting the natural stormwater flow and having negative downstream impacts.
Historically the residential developments built to accommodate the growing population increased the urban footprint, significantly affecting the natural water system. An increase in hard surfaces led to quicker stormwater flows, higher volumes of water into local waterways, and higher loads of pollutants and nutrients causing poor water quality. More recently, however, this issue has been acknowledged and new developments incorporate more green space and water sensitive urban design to help mitigate downstream impacts. Communities are now more concerned about protecting the liveability of the region and ensuring minimal impacts from the developments on the surrounding natural land and water environments.
Stakeholders recognise that doing nothing to address population growth and climate change will lead to poor environmental health, poor human health and a declining economy.
Change strategy: how to become more water sensitive
The 50-year water sensitive vision for Goulburn Mulwaree aims to orient and align the actions of stakeholders over the long term. The aspirations of project participants for their region’s water future are expressed as a suite of outcome statements and accompanying rich descriptions.
Goulburn and surrounds thrive because the management of water supports a strong, diverse and productive economy and a lifestyle that is proactive and connected to nature.
This means that:
- Natural environments in the Goulburn Mulwaree region are healthy, thriving, and continuously enhanced
- Goulburn and its villages are full of beautiful, green spaces that promote health and wellbeing for communities
- Goulburn Mulwaree’s communities are responsible, informed, and committed to sustainable water management in both urban and rural areas
- Good leadership and a coordinated approach to healthy water ensures communities and local businesses prosper and thrive, and that Sydney receives high quality water
- Goulburn Mulwaree’s communities, businesses and infrastructure are adaptable and embrace innovation and technology
- People understand and value local Aboriginal water knowledge and perspectives
A number of strategic actions could help achieve the vision for Goulburn Mulwaree. These six pathways collectively guide change to achieve the vision:
- Improve water quality and flows
- Connect people and place
- Green urban and rural areas
- Work together across boundaries
- Educate and inform citizens
- Embrace Goulburn Mulwaree’s rivers and creeks.