A partnership between the Victorian Government, Cities of Port Phillip and Melbourne, South East Water, Melbourne Water, Water Sensitive Cities Australia and the Office of the Victorian Government Architect has resulted in the Fishermans Bend Water Sensitive City Strategy.
“This partnership approach, led by the Victorian Government, has resulted in an innovative strategy which will reduce the impact of flooding, improve stormwater quality before it enters the Bay and provide a climate-resilient water supply,” Port Phillip Council Mayor Marcus Pearl said.
Water has, and always will be, an integral part of Fishermans Bend. Managing water is crucial for its community as Fishermans Bend lies between the Yarra River and the Bay and faces heightened flooding risks from climate change.
A secure, sustainable water supply will be provided for all parks and sports facilities within Fishermans Bend, with the potential opportunity to irrigate other open spaces in surrounding neighbourhoods with recycled water.
The strategy also commits to delivering fit-for-purpose recycled water for every resident. All buildings will be connected to a recycled water network for everyday tasks such as clothes washing, toilet flushing, garden irrigation and wash down (such as cars), reducing use of precious drinking water.
A flood levee (embankment) is planned along the banks of the Yarra River to protect Fishermans Bend from flooding. This will be part of the latter stage of the 30-year strategy and involves the levee being integrated into the urban fabric, rather than being a traditional soil barrier.
As well as applying world’s best practice to manage water in collaborative and innovative ways across residential, business and public spaces, the Strategy also supports a sustainable future for Port Phillip as the City adapts to a changing climate and the accompanying sea level rise.
The Fishermans Bend precinct covers approximately 480 hectares within the Cities of Port Phillip and Melbourne. By 2050, it is predicted this area will be home to approximately 80,000 residents and provide jobs for up to 80,000 people.
The strategy is at its starting point and will be delivered as part of the wider Fishermans Bend urban renewal process. Council will be collaborating with partners, including the Victorian Government, to undertake infrastructure planning and begin delivery of this long-term strategy.
This involves continuing to work together to incorporate water infrastructure into open spaces, streets and buildings through a levee, drainage and pump upgrades, distributed storages in open space, raingardens, tree pits, green roofs, green walls, smart rainwater tanks and a recycled water network throughout Fishermans Bend.
This all contributes to a liveable, productive, sustainable and resilient future for Australia’s largest urban renewal project.
