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E-NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2025
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Welcome from Committee Member - Alison Rickard
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Hi Everyone - Just like that it is 2025. I hope everyone had a chance to rest and refill their cup, whether that was catching up with family and friends, or perhaps getting away from it all. I love using the holiday break to reflect on the year that has passed, as well as think about what I would like to achieve in the coming year - from a Stormwater Victoria perspective it is shaping up to be a busy year.
There's a myriad of ways that you can participate whether it is through attendance at the conference, participation via online or in person technical and social/networking events, contributing to The Outlet newsletter or suggesting issues that you are interested in hearing more about.
The committee would love for you to continue getting actively involved in the events that are organised across the year; they're all passionate about continuing to build knowledge and community in the stormwater sector and I think this shows in the events they organise and the advocacy that is undertaken on behalf of our members.
Planning for the conference is in full swing and early bird registration has opened https://gems.eventsair.com/2025-stormwater-victoria-conference/register. This year we are headed to Wangaratta and promise an action-packed agenda including increased pre-conference workshop offerings off the back of the very popular pre-conference workshops last year, which will complement the technical and social program. Stay tuned for more details.
So, without further ado, we are looking forward to connecting with you and talking all things stormwater.
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Meet SV Committee Member -
Lily Dorraj
We’re happy to introduce Lily Dorraj, one of our committee members this year. Lily has added fresh ideas and energy to the Stormwater Vic committee. We’re excited to share her journey and the path she’s taken in her career. Her unique experiences and insights have had a positive impact on our team, and we look forward to the continued work she’s doing!
What was your career path that led you to your current role?
After completing my degree in Chemical Engineering I joined Nalco as a graduate Application Engineer. In this role I provided practical technical expertise and developed solutions for water treatment, energy efficiency, and process optimisation for clients in manufacturing and power generation industries. The most rewarding aspect of my work was designing and implementing chemical treatment programs to optimise water quality and ensure compliance with environmental standards. This led to a passion for environmental causes and making a positive impact on sustainability and resource management.
After four years at Nalco, I was fortunate to accept a position at AECOM as a Process Engineer. This role enabled me to build on my water treatment expertise through developing comprehensive designs for water, wastewater, and recycled water treatment plants. This required technical expertise to create efficient, sustainable solutions that align with both client needs and environmental considerations.
Following a short stint in a more client facing role back at Nalco, I decided that my passion was to work in a role with an even greater focus on the intersection of water management and the environment. The opportunity to join Ocean Protect arose and offered the best alignment of my expertise, values, and passion. I joined Ocean Protect as a Specification Engineer, and this has undoubtedly been the best career decision I have made. It has provided the perfect platform for me to apply my technical expertise in stormwater treatment to achieve meaningful environmental outcomes - something that makes coming to work each day extremely rewarding. I feel very fortunate that what I do for a living resonates so deeply with my values and passion.
What do you enjoy most about your job, and what challenges do you face?
I enjoy solving complex problems related to stormwater treatment and designing the best system to control pollutant runoff and protect the environment. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects which keeps the work engaging and means everyday you are learning something new. It is rewarding to know that our work protects the waterways and oceans across Australia. I truly enjoy working with my team at Ocean Protect because of the collaborative and supportive culture. There is a strong sense of camaraderie, where everyone is willing to lend a hand and share their insights and knowledge. Working with such a dedicated group makes the process both enjoyable and fulfilling.
The biggest challenge is balancing water quality management, regulatory compliance, and public awareness. Designing cost-effective, sustainable solutions that integrate with other urban systems is also often difficult.
What key learnings do you believe are important for the stormwater industry?
Designing flexible, resilient systems capable of handling more extreme weather. Prioritising long-term maintenance is crucial for sustainability. Effective collaboration across disciplines, including with authorities and regulatory bodies, helps ensure comprehensive solutions. Leveraging technology for informed decision-making and addressing both water quality and quantity are essential. Additionally, balancing cost-effective solutions and integrating stormwater management into broader urban planning efforts with authority involvement ensures more resilient and sustainable communities.
How do you see your role evolving?
There will be an increasing focus on strengthening our resilience to climate change, with systems designed to handle intense storms and fluctuating conditions. Smart technology will enable real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making for more efficient water management. I believe this role will require continuous learning and adaptability as new technologies, regulatory frameworks, and environmental challenges emerge. Overall, stormwater treatment will have to move toward more sustainable, integrated, and adaptive solutions.
What is your favourite stormwater feature / recreational spot you like to visit?
I love staying active and often walk along the beach between Port Melbourne and St Kilda. I believe that my work at Ocean Protect will contribute to improving the quality of water entering Port Phillip Bay.
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Did you know that Victoria is home to 37,000 wetlands, supporting 24% of the state's threatened native species? On World Wetlands Day (2 February 2025), we celebrate the crucial role of Victoria’s wetlands in protecting water quality, providing habitats for native plants and animals, offering recreational opportunities, and preserving Aboriginal cultural heritage.
This year’s theme, 'Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future, highlights the urgent need to safeguard these natural habitats for the benefit of all people and future generations. Victoria boasts twelve internationally significant Ramsar wetlands, which include diverse coastal and inland systems.
Current efforts to protect these vital areas include:
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Sand dune restoration at Glenelg Estuary and Discovery Bay Ramsar site to improve shore bird and beach nesting bird habitats.
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Installation of artificial roosting platforms at Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site for waterbird nesting.
- Catchment restoration activities at Corner Inlet Ramsar Site to enhance water quality and seagrass condition.
- Fencing to protect mangroves and saltmarsh communities in Western Port Ramsar Site.
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Melbourne Water is launching the first phase of the Maribyrnong River Flood Mitigation Study and is calling on local community members to get involved. This study aims to investigate potential solutions to reduce flood risk up to the year 2100 and beyond, focusing on both structural and non-structural flood management solutions for the Lower Maribyrnong River catchment.
The study prioritizes the safety and resilience of the local community and the river ecosystem. Melbourne Water Executive General Manager, Service Asset and Lifecycle, Craig Dixon, emphasized the importance of community involvement:
"The Maribyrnong community is invited to play a vital role in investigating both traditional and innovative flood mitigation strategies for the Lower Maribyrnong River. Collaborating with the community means that the flood mitigation proposals will reflect the needs of the people who live, work, and enjoy the open spaces along the river."
The study is expected to take up to 18 months to complete, with various opportunities for community involvement, including information sessions, pop-up stalls, community outreach, and online engagement. The first opportunity to participate will be a webinar in February, where attendees can meet the project team and learn more about the study.
Melbourne Water has awarded the contract to Jacobs, a leading provider of flood modelling and mitigation services, to deliver the study. Jacobs will collaborate with Melbourne Water and the local community to design a plan tailored to the unique needs of the Lower Maribyrnong River.
Media Contact:
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Join us on the evening of Tuesday, 25th February 2025 for the first Stormwater Victoria Seminar of the year! In partnership with Floodplain Management Australia (FMA), this seminar will focus on the 2024 Climate Change Update to the Australian Rainfall and Runoff (ARR v4.2) guideline. The event will be held at the BECA Event Space, Melbourne Quarter Tower from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm, with registration starting at 4:30 pm.
This technical workshop will feature a formal presentation by Monique Retallick, a modelling specialist, and Mark Babister, an ARR editor, who will discuss the significant updates in ARR v4.2. The workshop will provide critical insights and practical advice on applying the new methodologies in real-world scenarios.
Following the presentation, a panel discussion will address the application and challenges of the climate change guidelines in Victoria. Confirmed panellists include Dr. Sina Akram, Principal Flood Modelling Lead at Melbourne Water, and Alex Simmons, Founder and Director at SWM Consulting Pty Ltd.
Date and Location:
Date: Tuesday, 25th February 2025
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Registration from 4:30 pm)
Venue: BECA Event Space, Melbourne Quarter Tower
Address: Level 23, 695 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008
Organiser: GEMS Event Management
Phone: 02 9744 5252
Email: registration@gemsevents.com.au
Do not miss this opportunity to stay updated on the latest in stormwater management, Registration for this event will close on Friday, 21 February.
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The Stormwater Victoria Conference Organising Committee invites you to join us at our 2025 Conference, themed 'More than the Sum of Our Parts: The Value of Collective Action.' This exciting event will take place at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Tuesday, three and Wednesday, 4 June 2025. Optional pre-conference workshops are scheduled for Monday, 2 June, followed by a Technical Tour on Thursday, 5 June.
As Victoria faces increasing challenges from climate change, rapid population growth, and housing development pressures, we find ourselves at a critical crossroads for urban water management. Thoughtfully managed stormwater holds enormous potential to transform our cities and towns, providing water security, reducing flood risk, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering resilient, cooler, and greener urban environments.
However, the success of stormwater management relies on collaboration across every stage—from planning to long-term maintenance. Through collective action, we can make a meaningful difference.
Be part of the change and join us at the Stormwater Victoria 2025 Conference to learn, contribute, and network with experts dedicated to a sustainable urban water future. We look forward to seeing you there!
Date: 2 - 5 June 2025
Venue: Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre
Address: 33-37 Ford St, Wangaratta VIC 3677
Organiser: GEMS Event Management
Phone: 02 9744 5252
Email: registration@gemsevents.com.au
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The FMA Conference has been held annually for over 60 years and is the most respected flood risk management event in Australia. This year's conference will take place at Pullman Melbourne on the Park from 13-16 May 2025. It will bring together over 350 flood professionals and community members interested in making our communities more flood safe.
Attendees will include representatives from Commonwealth, State, and Local Governments, research organisations, education providers, consultants, engineers, land-use planners, emergency responders, and community volunteer organisations. The conference will feature outstanding Australian and international speakers, plenary and concurrent presentations, field trips addressing floodplain issues in Melbourne and surrounding areas, and excellent networking events. Optional conference workshops on topical issues will be held on Tuesday, 13 May.
Members of Stormwater Victoria can access the FMA Early Bird Member Three Day Registration rate of $990 if they register by the Early Bird date of Friday, 28 March 2025. This rate includes all conference sessions (Wednesday to Friday) and social functions, including the Welcome Function (Tuesday, 13 May), Casual Dinner at MCG Sports Museum (Wednesday, 14 May), and Conference Dinner and FMA Excellence Awards (Thursday, 15 May).
Floodplain Management Australia (FMA) is the peak national body for flood risk practitioners in Australia. FMA promotes wise management of development on floodplains and community awareness of flood-related issues, helping to reduce the risks of flooding to life and property. FMA represents the interests of its members at local, state, and federal government levels and provides professional development and information-sharing opportunities. Members include over 180 local councils, CMAs, federal, state, and territory government agencies, businesses, and professionals.
Sign up today to receive the FMA Flyer directly to your inbox each month. It is free, and you do not have to be an FMA member to receive it. You can sign up for the Flyer on the FMA website under the 'Resources' tab: FMA Flyer.
Date: 13-16 May 2025
Venue: Pullman Melbourne on the Park
Organiser: Floodplain Management Australia (FMA)
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Upcoming Clearwater Training: Maintenance of WSUD Assets | |
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Clearwater is excited to announce the return of its highly anticipated in-person training on the Maintenance of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Assets. Scheduled for Tuesday, 25th February, this comprehensive course will be led by expert facilitators Jamie Comley and Jason Sonneman. Participants will gain valuable knowledge and skills to effectively maintain WSUD assets, enhance organizational capacity, and foster collaboration and commitment to addressing priority issues.
The training will take place from 9am to 3pm at Melbourne Water’s Docklands office (990 La Trobe St, Docklands) and will include informative site visits in the local area.
For more details and to register, visit the event page. Places are limited, so be sure to secure your spot soon!
Date: Tuesday, 25th February
Location: Melbourne Water’s Docklands office, 990 La Trobe St, Docklands
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Stormwater Victoria Major Sponsor: | | | | |
