Marrickville West Primary School eco water garden
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Insight:
Stakeholders used a co-governance model to create an eco water garden at Marrickville West Primary School. This co-governance model helped overcome barriers to create a functional and dynamic community asset
The drivers
• Reduce stormwater pollution flowing into the Cooks River – As well as reducing pollutant loads from council owned land and roads, this project allowed the council to take advantage of all the space available in the subcatchment.
• Increase the use of alternative water sources to replace potable water – The harvesting system provides water for the eco water garden at the school and the adjacent community garden.
• Raise the profile of water sensitive infrastructure in the community – Council saw the opportunity to use this infrastructure to engage and educate the local community about the value of water and local waterways. For example, the school uses the space as a play area and incorporates knowledge about water into the curriculum. The principal confirmed the project has been a huge success for the teachers and students.
Project stats
Location
Sydney, New South Wales
Dates
September 2020
Participants
Topics
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The outcomes
Cities providing ecosystem services
- Healthier waterways – Diverted stormwater reduces pollutants entering the Cooks River.
- Improved amenity – The green space improves the amenity of the school and local community.
Cities as water supply catchments
- Alternative water source – Harvested stormwater supplies around 70% of the water demand of the community garden, eco water garden and open water zone.
Cities comprising water sensitive communities
- Working together on a place-based project has strengthened community partnerships.
- Council engineers have refined their understanding of technical issues about water sensitive infrastructure.
- The school has embedded water sensitive principles and practice in the curriculum.
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