Long-term water strategy developed for Fishermans Bend

In partnership with local councils and water corporations, the Victorian Government has developed a long-term strategy for Fishermans Bend, which commits to deliver recycled water for every resident and a flood levee along the banks of the Yarra River through initiatives such as pump upgrades.

The Victorian Government has partnered with the Cities of Port Phillip and Melbourne, South East Water, Melbourne Water, Water Sensitive Cities Australia and the Office of the Victorian Government Architect to develop the strategy.

The Fishermans Bend Water Sensitive City Strategy is a long-term water sensitive urban design project which aims to manage water as a resource by treating stormwater and reducing the impacts of climate change in Fishermans Bend by reducing pollution.

Port Phillip City Council Mayor, Marcus Pearl, said, “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.”

The strategy 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.

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 Fishermans Bend precinct covers approximately 480ha 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. 

For Port Phillip City Council, 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.

For more information on the strategy, click here.

Find Related Companies In The Pump Industry Capability Guide

Rezitech Services

Pump Systems PTY Ltd.

Sykes Group Pty Ltd

Related articles

• Retired NSW coal site to be converted into pumped hydro
• Amendments for Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant licence
• NSW pumped hydro projects to be investigated
• NSW utility applies for permanent desalination plant
• $26M Sydney Water demonstration recycling plant opens