An innovative council design of a stormwater project has won a state award.
Georges River Council won the Award for Excellence in Integrated Stormwater Design at the Stormwater NSW 2021 Awards for its Gannons Park Water Quality Improvement and Stormwater Harvesting Scheme.
The Stormwater NSW Awards for Excellence encourage and celebrate excellence in the innovation, development, completion and management of stormwater projects and the people involved.
The council's large-scale landscape and stormwater treatment project focused on re-instating a section of Boggywell Creek to develop significant public space and improve the community's connection to environmental processes.
The innovative project involved the removal of concrete stormwater pipes, and the construction and reinstatement of natural waterway features including swales, wetlands, ponds and bioretention systems.
As a result, the environment has improved, with the works increasing terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, improving the quality of stormwater entering Georges River and saving potable water, while creating opportunities for the community to enjoy the park through the associated landscaping, shared path and facilities.
The harvested stormwater is set to be used to irrigate the regionally significant sporting fields on the upper section of the park as part of the upcoming Stage 4 project water treatment plant.
Stormwater NSW stated that the council had a "great project with a site that demonstrated a very good example of how this style of design could enhance a community's resource."
"Our community really values open space, and not only as a place for recreation, but also to actively contribute to a better environment, through ways such as improving water quality and increasing biodiversity," Georges River Council General Manager Gail Connolly said.
"We're pleased to deliver public spaces, such as the upgraded Gannons Park, that protect and support our environment, while also providing our community with high quality places to exercise, relax and connect with nature."
