Stormwater Australia National Awards for Excellence

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (14:56): My question is to the Minister for Water and the River Murray. Can the minister advise members of the South Australian winners of the 2014 Stormwater Australia National Awards for Excellence?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:56): I thank the honourable member for his most important question and can advise that I can and I will. The winners of the 2014 Stormwater Australia National Awards for Excellence were announced last night (15 October) as part of the gala dinner for the National Stormwater 2014 Conference held in Adelaide. As I was required to attend to duties in this chamber, I was unable to attend, of course, but I would like to thank the member for Reynell, Katrine Hildyard, from the other place who represented me very ably at last night's event.

Stormwater Australia plays a valuable role in bringing together and supporting the diverse range of businesses and organisations involved in the management of the nation's stormwater resources. The stormwater industry in Australia has grown significantly over the last decade and we have an internationally renowned reputation for innovation in this field, much driven by the dynamic businesses involved in the sector—dynamic, innovative South Australian businesses who compete and tender across the borders and interstate.

South Australia in particular is recognised as a national leader in many aspects of stormwater management, such as harvesting and reuse and managed aquifer recharge. Our achievements in regard to stormwater are a good example of how government, working in partnership with industry, can drive innovation in water management and leverage economic outcomes from environmental and natural resource issues.

The biennial Stormwater Australia National Awards for Excellence provide an opportunity to recognise the achievements of urban water practitioners and celebrate their capacity for delivering innovative and multi-objective stormwater management outcomes in our nation's cities and towns. South Australia was well-represented in last night's awards, with a number of strong projects competing against those from other states. I am pleased to inform members of the council that South Australian nominees were successful in winning two categories at the awards in the areas of excellence in integrated stormwater design and excellence in research and innovation.

The Oaklands Park Stormwater Reuse Scheme by FMG Engineering, DesignFlow and Taylor Cullity Lethlean, in partnership with the City of Marion and the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, was the winner in the integrated stormwater design category, demonstrating how stormwater reuse projects can incorporate multi-use facilities for the local community.

The Oaklands Park stormwater reuse scheme is one of eight stormwater harvesting and reuse schemes funded by the Australian government, state governments and local government. It is part of our approach to diversifying Adelaide's water sources in response to the millennium drought. This $8.46 million scheme provides the City of Marion with the capacity to harvest and treat approximately 200 megalitres of stormwater a year to irrigate public open space throughout the council area.

The winner of the research and innovation category was the Managed Aquifer Recharge and Stormwater Use Options Project, led by the Goyder Institute for Water Research, CSIRO, University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, National Water Commission, City of Salisbury, Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, SA Water, and the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, all collaborating together.

This significant research project was designed to assess how stormwater could be used in the future for various water supply demands. The project used a case study approach to assess future supply options, with a particular emphasis on addressing water safety issues and community acceptance. This research will provide valuable information as Adelaide considers its next major water supply augmentation options beyond 2050.

The other very strong nominees from South Australia, which unfortunately were unsuccessful at the awards ceremony but which did very well to be nominated, were the Gross Pollutant Trap Asset Management Plan, by the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, in the category of excellence in asset management; Water Proofing the West, stage 1, by the City of Charles Sturt, in the category of excellence in infrastructure; South Australian Water Sensitive Urban Design Policy, by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, in the category of excellence in policy or education; Water Proofing the East—Eastern Regional Alliance Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse, by the Corporation of the Town of Walkerville and Walbridge and Gilbert Consulting, in the category of excellence in strategic or master planning.

South Australia winning two of the six categories at the national award demonstrates again that our state well and truly punches above its weight. I am sure that members of the council will join with me in congratulating the winners and the other award nominees from South Australia and, indeed, from around the country.