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Stormwater reuse for Manly's Norfolk Pines

As part of a catchment-wide approach, the famous Norfolk Island pines on Manly's seaside promenade will benefit from an innovative stormwater recycling system.

Manly Council's Stormwater Treatment and Reuse Project is receiving over $540,000 from the Urban Stormwater Initiative under the Commonwealth's Living Cities program. Solutions to Manly's waterway problems involve a 'treatment train' combining public education with new catchment technology.

The project targets high-volume, polluted stormwater discharging onto Manly's main beach. In a nearby street, pervious pavement will be installed along the road verge to reduce runoff and provide stormwater infiltration.

In a beach carpark, innovative technology will treat, store and recycle stormwater to irrigate the Norfolk Island pines. The system will include traps in gutters to prevent litter from entering drains. These will complement drain inserts capturing fine sediments, oils and grease. The stormwater will then be filtered through sand and eco-soil media.

The Atlantis eco-soil media contains microbes that digest pollutants before the water is stored for recycling.

The Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Robert Hill, said "The project will use new technologies to improve coastal waterways in an area with a high population density and large tourist numbers".

"Public education campaigns will emphasise the role that every person, including visitors, can play in managing litter responsibly."

The Beverage Industry Environment Council is demonstrating its strong commitment to waste reduction. It is funding the 'Away from Home' campaign in Manly. At Manly this campaign aims to reduce gross litter, especially glass and plastic bottles. If successful, it will be extended to other areas in NSW.

Sydney Water's Demand Management Program &endash; 'Every Drop Counts'&endash; will contribute to keeping water onsite and reducing the volume of stormwater discharging to the ocean. Sydney Water is sponsoring a 'showcase' home garden with water saving devices to demonstrate the benefits of water conservation.

The Streamwatch monitoring program will also assist by evaluating the success of the whole-of-catchment approach in improving water quality at Manly's Ocean Beach.

The overall project already has powerful implications for planning regulation, urban design and community involvement.

In the process, Manly Council will be reviewing its residential Development Control Plan to focus on ecological sustainable development and total catchment management principles.

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