Brisbane City Council is asking members of the community to provide feedback on its draft WaterSmart Strategy to help make Brisbane Australia’s most sustainable city.
Environment, Parks and Sustainability Committee Chair Peter Matic said the purpose of the WaterSmart Strategy was to map out ideas and outcomes to ensure Brisbane’s water resources were sustainably managed in the long-term.
“Water is not only vital for our health and wellbeing, industry and transportation needs and to support the liveability of Brisbane,” he said.
“As Brisbane’s population increases, so does the need to implement innovative and creative sustainable water management solutions.”
The draft WaterSmart Strategy outlines the key actions for Council until 2016 and will guide water management beyond this timeframe.
“Council’s Living in Brisbane 2026 vision sets benchmarks for Brisbane to become a water smart community, well designed subtropical city and ensure a healthy river and bay,” Cr Matic said.
The key actions focus on using water creatively and sensitively in the design of smart spaces, managing flood risks to ensure the safety of people and properties, ensuring the sustainability of water resources and creating recreation areas to allow the community to appreciate the environmental and amenity value of our waterways.
“Once finalised, the WaterSmart Strategy will guide us in achieving these goals and help make Brisbane Australia’s most sustainable and water smart city,” Cr Matic said.
Key actions include:
• Engaging the community and educating them on how to be water smart at home
• Providing opportunities for schools and community groups to rehabilitate waterways
• Developing vibrant liveable spaces that use accessible and natural water features
• Using overland flow paths, waterways and flood plains as open space and active transport corridors
• Improving access to waterways for recreation opportunities
• Integrating Water Sensitive Urban Design in all of Council’s planning and infrastructure developments
• Using alternative water sources such as wastewater recycling, rainwater harvesting or passive stormwater capture in Council buildings and spaces and encouraging the community to follow Council’s lead
To view the draft WaterSmart Strategy and have your say, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/watersmartcity or phone Council on 3403 8888. Submissions can be made up to Monday, 23 August 2010.
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