A 10-year strategy to reduce flooding, reduce stormwater pollution and increase the use of alternative water sources will be exhibited for public engagement.
The draft Stormwater Services Strategy 2020–30 outlines the City's approach to managing the rising demands on our drainage network and stormwater systems.
We maintain an extensive range of stormwater assets, with a combined value of more than $600 million.
This includes about 1900km of pipes, more than 64,000 stormwater pits, 300 retarding basins, 20 pump stations and more than 150km of open stormwater drains.
The unprecedented rates of population growth and significant economic development across the municipality will place greater pressure on our systems.
The City is expecting the drainage network will expand by about 20 per cent and water sensitive urban design assets will double within the next decade.
The strategy will be the foundation document for the City's stormwater management practices and actions.
It contains practical measures to help us achieve baseline levels of service for all 25 catchment management units over the next decade.
Goals outlined in the strategy include:
- Accessing 20 per cent of our water from alternative sources, including stormwater, by 2031;
- Establishing a target for tree coverage and green spaces supported by stormwater irrigation before 2026; and
- Undertaking extensive community engagement at least every five years to support the development of future stormwater service strategies.
Trials of the strategy delivery approach – which can be funded from existing rates and charges - will be first delivered in Lara and Hovells Creek, and Ocean Grove and Clifton Springs.
The strategy also identifies four flagship projects, which will address a range of issues across the municipality.
The four flagship projects are:
- The Northern Geelong Green Corridor Project;
- Lake Connewarre Protection Project;
- Bellarine Peninsula Sustainable Water Project; and
- Water Proofing Urban Geelong
The flagship projects will need to be funded from alternative means, such as development contributions, government grants, external sources or special rates and charges.
The community is invited to provide input on the strategy from mid-January 2020, for a period of eight weeks.
Feedback will be used to inform the development of a final Stormwater Service Strategy and action plan before its scheduled implementation in July 2020.
The Strategy has been supported by a $100,000 contribution from the Victorian Planning Authority.
The Strategy can be viewed within the 10 December 2019 agenda.
Councillor Stephanie Asher - Mayor
This strategy aims to support Geelong's growth, health and liveability. Managing our water future is a critical element in sustainability as a region.
It will help us prepare for Geelong's increasing population and growing economy, which are putting pressure on our existing stormwater systems.
Councillor Anthony Aitken - Chair, Parks, Gardens and City Services portfolio
The region is facing more extreme weather events from climate change, so the importance of a well-managed stormwater infrastructure is elevated.
The strategy sets out a 20 per cent target to get water from other sources, including from stormwater harvesting, which is terrific for our trees in parks and gardens.
I welcome the four flagship projects, which will address flooding issues across the municipality and improve waterway health.
