Sydney Technical Tour
| Friday, September 6, 2024 |
| 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Overview
Details
Explore the site for the Aerotropolis Integrated Water Strategy and the Picton Water Resource Recovery Facility.
Aerotropolis Integrated Water Strategy
The Aerotropolis Integrated Water Strategy is a pioneering initiative in NSW greenfield urban planning and is set to be Australia's largest stormwater harvesting scheme. This strategy integrates total water cycle management with strategic land use planning, aligning with NSW Government objectives for urban greening, water conservation, and waterway health. Irrigation of open spaces for public amenity using captured and recycled water is a key component of the strategy.
Key Components
1. Multi-functional Green Infrastructure:
- Designed to enhance liveability, sustainability, and resilience in Western Sydney.
- Regional wetlands and trunk drainage channels serve dual purposes of stormwater treatment and community recreation.
- Green spaces are designed to remain cool and green year-round, supported by recycled wastewater for irrigation.
2. Recreational and Community Benefits:
- Stormwater infrastructure includes cycle and walking paths, picnic spaces, playing fields, and playgrounds.
- Contributes to the Parkland City vision with a network of cool, green open spaces.
Algae and Wetlands Improving Wastewater Treatment
Sydney Water is trialling natural treatment systems at Picton to reduce bioavailable nutrients in wastewater, including:
1. Macroalgae Bioremediation:
- Utilizes native green macroalgae (RegenAquaTM) to capture nutrients and contaminants from wastewater.
- Operates at Picton Water Resource Recovery Facility since February 2023, showing significant reductions in nutrient concentrations (80-90%) and contaminants (over 99%).
2. Sustainability and Circularity:
- Uses local algae species to avoid ecological disruption.
- Converts waste nutrients into high-quality biomass, usable for organic fertilisers, bioplastics, biofuels, and other products.
- Demonstrates potential for reduced energy and chemical use in wastewater treatment.
This strategy and its components represent a significant advancement in urban water management, contributing to a sustainable and liveable future for Western Sydney.
