The Water Industry Alliance’s August Members’ Night heard from three industry experts about how we manage our stormwater and prepare, plan and mitigate for flooding in urban Adelaide.

Stefanie Zakrzewski, Flood State Planning Officer at the South Australian State Emergency Service discussed the agency’s responsibilities during major events, reflected on links with hydrology and mapping support, and highlighted how modelling and gauging act as a key source of information for both pre-planning and operational response during floods.  She also revealed the agency’s desire to build stronger ties with a range of stakeholders, including industry, for the benefit of the wider community.

Brownhill and Keswick Creek Stormwater Project Director, Michael Salkeld, shared the 2016 Stormwater Management Plan that aims to substantially reduce the number of properties that would be affected by very large flood events along the four major watercourses of the catchment.

David Trebilcock, General Manager of the Stormwater Management Authority discussed why we have Stormwater Management Plans as well as the tension between managing floods and managing water quality. David will also shared some insights around the challenges of climate change and urban infill as well as a glimpse into the future stormwater infrastructure requirements of metropolitan Adelaide.

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