The Deakin University Integrated Water Management (IWM) Project at Waurn Ponds Campus aims to support sustainability and climate readiness, aligning with the university’s goal of enabling a sustainable world & establishing a Climate-Ready Campus. The $3.48 million Stage 1 project involves integrating landscape and engineering solutions to address water challenges, enhance water security, reduce flood risks, and improve environmental and aesthetic values. Collaborating with E2 Design, the project focuses on designing with site conditions, considering the Wadawurrung Traditional Owner values, and promoting long-term water sustainability and waterway health.
Central to the project’s impact is its adherence to best practices in blue and green infrastructure design. By creating soft, vegetated water edges and planting extensive wetland vegetation, the design substantially improves water quality and stormwater filtration, while fostering biodiversity and delivering crucial ecosystem services. the integration of informal gathering and social spaces with the movement network and water treatment pathway, along with additional tree planting along paths helps counter the urban heat island effect, creating cooler, more comfortable footpaths and contributing to carbon sequestration. The regeneration of open channels and the reintroduction of native woodland species further underscore the project’s dedication to ecological resilience and urban liveability for the campus community.
Location
Waurn Ponds, Victoria
Role
Landscape Architect
Client
Deakin University
Construction Budget
$4.5 million
Traditional Owners
Wadawurrung People
Photographer
Cameron Hart