EARTH FIRST | Ensuring our water works key for a sustainable city

The theme for 2019 will focus on Water for Society.

Some of the topics to be discussed include: Urban water resilience, sustainable sewer systems and Clean Water and Sanitation (the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6).

I've had the privilege of attending two water functions recently. The Australian Water Association NSW Industry Annual Breakfast and their State Conference held in Orange.

Both presented so many worthwhile ideas that I will share some with you.

Macinley Butson, 2018 NSW Young Australian of the Year, received the Stockholm Junior Water Prize for her solar disinfection scientific invention which uses UV radiation to sanitise drinking water for communities in developing countries.

The NSW CEO Water (within the Dept of Planning, Industry and Environment), Jim Bentley said, "we have to do water very differently in the future", and added "creating a sustainable water future ... requires changing attitudes to water ... and value water".

To the credit of council and staff, Orange has started to plan for a more innovative and secure water supply.

The Integrated Water Cycle Management currently being prepared by the Technical Division of Council should reflect the balance between how Orange is supplied with water, conservation measures and the importance of water in the environment.

Council leads a change in attitude by adopting Water Sensitive Urban Design for more sustainable development, as indicated by the Development Control Plan for the Shiralee subdivision.

Hopefully this idea can be developed by the Orange community, council and staff and possibly feature in the Rotary Expo in October.

Water will be a feature of the Rotary Expo, as it occurs during National Water Week.

Our State Government enthusiastically supports good developments that reflect and incorporate the principles of Water Sensitive Cities, shown in recent policy documents such as Urban Design for Regional Areas.

I would anticipate the future Orange Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plans will reflect a more liveable city.

A water sensitive city with permanent water saving rules and the requirement for rainwater tanks on new buildings to ensure a water future.