The Aerotropolis is a chance to rethink how we manage stormwater. By consolidating infrastructure, integrating it with roads, and co-locating it with open space, we can create multi-functional areas. This decreases infrastructure costs and reduces the amount of developable land that would be required for stormwater management. Our approach was developed with local stakeholders, Traditional Custodians, other NSW Government Agencies and the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
As part of the regional approach to stormwater management, we're proposing a number of different types of infratructure - scroll through to find out more about these.Healthy natural creeks retain water in the landscape and protect the ecological, social and cultural values in the Aerotropolis.
The regional stormwater system has been designed to work with nature—using the area’s existing waterways as part of the network. Some natural creeks may need to be rehabilitated.
The creeks will work alongside the other elements of the system to safely move stormwater to where it is needed.
Naturalised trunk drainage channels are waterways designed to replace concrete pipes and channels.
They are designed to mimic the form of natural creeks, as well as creating green space and walking paths for the community.
These channels direct stormwater to wetlands and basins for treatment.
As well as being designed to treat stormwater, wetlands provide habitat for a wide range of animals and plants.
They are also culturally significant for Aboriginal people and provide a strong connection to Country.
Wetlands will be strategically placed to handle local stormwater while avoiding high-value existing bushland and minimising potential impacts on future development.
Stormwater is collected as it runs off roads, rooftops and other hard surfaces and flows into naturalised trunk drainage channels and creeks.
It is then directed into stormwater basins where it is filtered, treated, and stored for reuse in irrigation, industrial processes, and other non-drinking water applications.
Like wetlands, stormwater basins will be strategically placed to avoid high value bushland and minimise potential impacts to future development.
The regional stormwater system requires a variety of infrastructure types.
The AWRC will collect and treat wastewater to a high quality for reuse. It will also recover resources like energy and nutrients, helping the environment.
During dry periods, recycled water will be used to top up the harvested stormwater supply.
We’ll still need to deliver stormwater pipelines that are fed by gravity or pumped to supply all areas within the Aerotropolis.
These will connect the wetlands and stormwater basins, allowing us to move harvested stormwater to where it is needed across the Aerotropolis.
These are large storage facilities for high quality recycled water to maintain non-drinking water supply during dry periods such as droughts.
On individual lots, basic stormwater controls like onsite detention (to slow down runoff) and gross pollutant traps (to catch litter and debris) are needed.
There are minimum requirements for things like how much of the land lets water soak through (called perviousness).
Individual lots won’t need rainwater tanks or bioretention systems that filter stormwater, because the regional stormwater system will do this.
Infrastructure on private properties will be delivered by landowners or developers.
On public roads and streets, stormwater is managed using drains, kerbs, and pits that connect to natural channels or creeks.
Street trees will be passively irrigated—where rainwater is directed to tree pits so the trees can soak it up naturally, helping to keep the street cooler and greener.
On street measures will be delivered by local councils.
Have questions or want to learn more about the project, contact us below:
| Name | Sydney Water |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1800 645 466 (business hours) |
| aerostormwater@sydneywater.com.au | |
| Website | www.sydneywater.com.au |
