Strategy guides community’s water resilience future

Published on Tuesday, 12 November 2024 at 12:41:37 PM

The City of Albany is advancing its commitment to sustainability by developing a Waterwise Strategy, designed to enhance City managed water conservation, urban water resources, and build community resilience to environmental challenges.

In 2022 the City participated in a Water Sensitive Cities benchmarking process, supported by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and the Water Corporation, that focused on 34 indicators essential to a Water Sensitive City.

Albany achieved benchmarks in key areas of good governance, community capital, equity of essential services, productivity, ecological health, resource efficiency, quality urban spaces, and adaptive infrastructure.

The report highlighted areas for growth, recommending the City engage the community, create educational opportunities around Water Sensitive Urban Design, and address challenges such as urban heat island effects and increasing resilience to climate impacts.

The City has engaged environmental consultants Urbaqua to develop a comprehensive draft strategy and action plan about the City’s managed water priorities, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and the benchmarking results.

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Sharpe said the initiative is part of the City's broader effort to promote liveable, productive, sustainable and resilient communities.

"Water-sensitive cities are strong and sustainable, managing water in ways that protect rivers and wetlands, reduce flood risks, and create spaces that collect, clean, and reuse water,” he said.

“These practices also contribute to community wellbeing, biodiversity conservation, and the reduction of urban heat island effects.”

“Albany’s natural beauty and biodiversity are central to its identity, and through this Waterwise Strategy, we aim to safeguard these assets while creating a future that is resilient to the environmental challenges ahead.”

The City is seeking feedback on the community’s vision and values of a water sensitive city and areas of interest and importance. The survey is open until Wednesday 11 December 2024 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XYT9TBJ

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