Water

Program Achievements

HCCREMS has been spearheading capacity building for local government in urban water for a decade. Key products and achievements are listed below. You can also peruse a complete list of our past regional events.

Follow the links to find out more about project outcomes and secure your own copy of available resources.

Water Smart Model Planning Provisions and Practice Notes (2007) In 2002 Model Planning Provisions and a national design guide for Water Sensitive Urban Design were released for use by Councils and industry practitioners. These attracted attention from all levels of government and many organisations across Australia. HCCREMS at that time covered only 7 councils and was known as the Lower Hunter Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy (LHCCREMS). The Model Planning Provisions are now being revised in recognition of changes in regulatory and technical landscapes, and emerging WSUD practice. Go to the Water Smart Model Planning Provisions
Water Smart Practice Notes (2007) The Model Planning Provisions are supported by a set of 11 Practice Notes that provide plain-english technical information on practices appropriate for small scale and residential settings including: rainwater tanks, landscaping, infiltration devices and domestic scale wastewater reuse systems. Go to the Water Smart Practice Notes
Water Sensitive Urban Design Solutions for Catchments Above Wetlands (2007) This was one of the first Australian studies into the hydrological (water flow) as well as water quality needs for the ongoing ecological health of natural wetlands. The study, undertaken in conjunction with Wyong Shire Council, established a wetlands classification scheme and associated ‘hydrologic’ indices to help local government and catchment managers consider appropriate planning and development control objectives for urban development in catchments upstream of coastal wetlands. A key finding of this study was the need for 'drying out' spells for certain types of coastal wetland. Find out more about WSUD for Catchments Above Wetlands
Urbanwatersites.info (Now accepting contributions) This online database www.urbanwatersites.info showcases Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) sites in our region. It demonstrates a WSUD practices ranging from rainwater tanks to swales to bioretention basins; from single homes to whole subdivisions. Each site is mapped and information provided on project objectives, implementation and performance. You can nominate a WSUD demonstration site from our project region - the Central and Lower Mid-North Coasts and Hunter Valley regions - to include. Go to www.urbanwatersites.info
Urbanwater.info (Now under revision) In 2005 a comprehensive, multidisciplinary online interactive training tool was commissioned, with Stormwater Trust funding, to assist council officers, developers and the community to better understand and implement Water Sensitive Urban Design. The final toolkit product, urbanwater.info incorporates reports, step by step guidance and online videos. It has won numerous awards including the 2006 Stormwater Industry Association’s “National Award for Excellence in Stormwater Education”.
Central Coast Public Schools Integrated Water Program Between 2007 and 2008 ten schools on the NSW Central Coast were assisted, with the support of the then NSW Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability to: • Install Smart Water Meters that measure water use and provide 'real time' online water consumption information so that schools can track their water use. • Use the water meter information and school water audits to identify the best water saving options for the school. • Install water saving devices such as rainwater tanks, flow restrictors, waterless urinals and dual flush toilets. • Participate in curricular activities around better solutions for water resource use. Read more about the Central Coast Schools project.