The 2020s are challenging our urban systems with bushfires, floods and drought. Working with natural systems is key to future planning as our current infrastructure is not designed for future challenges.

Designing at the building scale creates opportunities to address water demand, stormwater risks, waterway health, urban greening and resilience to disasters. The BASIX program in NSW relies heavily on rainwater harvesting and has shown system-wide benefits that go far beyond saving water.

Using rainwater from your roof is more efficient than manufacturing water, treating it to drinking standard, pumping it across the city and using that water to flush a toilet. Rainwater harvesting is a good example of a low-cost, nature-friendly solution integrated with land use planning and building frameworks.

MITIGATING NATURAL DISASTERS AND BUILDING RESILIENT CITIES

Professor Peter J Coombes
Visiting and Honorary Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

REVISITING STORMWATER AND URBAN WATERWAYS

Kate Harriden
Research Fellow – Indigenous Water, Monash Institute of Sustainable Development, Monash University. Studio Advisor – Bandalang Indigenous Engineering Design Studio PhD Scholar – Aspi Baria Scholarship, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University

RAINWATER HARVESTING POLICY AND REGULATORY PRACTICE FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRALIA

Michael Smit
Deputy Chair, Rainwater Harvesting Association, Sustaining Member, Stormwater Australia