A preliminary investigation into how Bendigo can transition itself to a ‘water-sensitive city’ has found significant changes are required for the region to prepare itself for more extreme environmental conditions.
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The Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities funded a survey in six cities across Australia.
Bendigo was one of those cities and the survey results were released via report this week.
Co-author of the report, Dr Briony Rogers from Monash University, said the Bendigo Creek and natural waterways were identified as central elements of the region’s identity.
Dr Rogers said Bendigo was chosen as it has faced its “fair share of water challenges over the years”.
The report, which consulted 31 community members and 47 leaders and strategic thinkers from across Bendigo’s water, planning, development and environment sectors, found there was existing structures in place which could help develop ideas to transition into a water sensitive city.
“On the ground, there is a strong drive for new approaches to water management among many stakeholders, which has led to the implementation of recycled water distribution, creek revegetation, sustainable gardens and efficient recreation management,” the report read.
The term ‘water sensitive city’ is given cities where the policies and practices associated with delivering water system services enabled broad liveability, sustainability, productivity and resilience outcomes.
The results and priorities of the study will be used as a basis for government agencies and water organisations to progress the development of water use in the city.
Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities preliminary report
