We're using an Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) approach to develop the Aerotropolis Integrated Stormwater Schemes.

The IWCM approach coordinates and considers all elements of water management and urban planning across the scheme areas, recognising and celebrating cultural heritage, protecting waterway health, prioritising sustainable water supplies and helping to cool and green Western Sydney.

Taking this regional approach allows infrastructure to be placed efficiently in the scheme areas. It will minimise the amount of stormwater infrastructure required on development sites, ultimately maximising developable land.

The schemes have been designed in line with the Stormwater Principles, which were developed in consultation with government, industry and community.

At the heart of the Aerotropolis is Wianamatta, Western Sydney’s longest freshwater stream, located in Dharug Country. In the Dharug language, Wianamatta means “Mother Place,” reflecting its cultural and environmental significance.

This waterway is central to the area’s identity and heritage, and its preservation plays a crucial role in maintaining the natural environment and the cultural practices of the Dharug Community. If left unprotected, urban growth will degrade this vital waterway, but with the right planning and ongoing involvement from Traditional Custodians it can become one of the city’s greatest assets.

Wianamatta’s ecosystems are fragile and unique. To protect them, we have followed the Dharug People’s approach of Letting Country be Country, shaping the layout and structure of the of the schemes around existing waterways. Where additional treatment is required, we‘ve prioritised natural treatment systems over concrete pipes and channels.

To make sure that the schemes are meeting environmental outcomes, we’ve designed the system using locally specific waterway health targets for pollutant reduction and flow. For more information on these targets, see the Resources section of this document.

To meet the waterway health targets for Wianamatta, some of the stormwater runoff needs to be harvested for reuse.

Most stormwater schemes depend on rainfall – but in Western Sydney, where the weather is dry and droughts are becoming part of life, we need to do things differently. Since rain isn’t always reliable, we’re proposing to add recycled water to the system when there’s not enough rainfall.

This means that even when other parts of Sydney are under drought restrictions, water supply in the Aerotropolis will be more secure. This makes it more appealing to high value industries that need a large secure water source, such as data centres.

In the future, Western Sydney will experience more frequent and prolonged heatwaves which will put pressure on its community, natural environment and economy. To help manage urban heat, a blue-green grid of parklands and waterways is proposed that will provide cooling and amenity to communities that live and work in the area.

To work, the blue-green grid needs a climate independent water supply to stay cool and green. The schemes, fed by stormwater and recycled wastewater will provide irrigation to parklands and street plantings throughout the Aerotropolis in the hottest and dryest times when we need it the most.