How water contributes to liveable cities

Liveability is now part of the Australian vernacular. Every few months we hear news that Australian cities are topping international tables on liveability. But what does it mean to live in a liveable city? And while we think water is critical in having liveable cities - what does that mean?

Many organisations are developing their position on liveability and how they contribute to liveable cities and areas. It’s a worldwide conversation and the urban water industry plays a key part.

We know that water is a foundation for urban liveability. Without the provision of clean and safe drinking water and effective wastewater and stormwater services to protect the environment, our urban areas would not be the liveable, sustainable, resilient places we see today.

Of course it goes without saying that our customers expect us to continue fulfilling this role. But contributing to liveability is more than just providing the services.

Examples of how urban water organisations can enhance liveability are happening around Australia. One example is at Sydney Water, where four programs have been established to demonstrate its contribution to liveability. These include: People and places program; Land and waterways program; Growth and servicing program; and City futures program.

The programs are being supported with the utility’s liveability themes of connect, collaborate and innovate. One example of the land and waterways program is the work at the Cup and Saucer Wetland. The project has seen Sydney Water partner with local council, other organisations and importantly the local community to replace deteriorated concrete riverbanks with sandstone and native plants and treat stormwater flowing from Cup and Saucer Creek. The collaborative work has improved aesthetics in the area and provided a habitat for wildlife, and includes seating and an outdoor classroom for local residents to enjoy.

At City West Water, its Greening the West Strategy has the community at its core. Reflecting the themes of liveability, the strategy has strong community input to deliver positive outcomes for residents and businesses in the area. By partnering with local councils and other authorities including Department of Health and VicRoads, the regional partnership aims to promote sustainable and healthy communities in Melbourne’s west by increasing urban greening. The strategy recognises that water authorities can deliver more to the community by extending its core skills beyond just water supply and management.

Recent research conducted by Sydney Water shows that the water industry’s involvement in these types of projects and programs is welcomed by the community. The outcomes of this work are being used to guide the business to do those things that contribute to liveability in ways that their customers value.

To ensure we continue to enhance the urban water industry’s role in liveability we need to engage, partner and innovate. Engage with our customers and local communities. Partner with government, the private sector and community groups and innovate to achieve different and broader outcomes that contribute to liveability. By doing this we demonstrate that water is not just a foundation for liveability - it’s part of enhancing and improving liveability for the future.

Urban liveability also depends on water, energy, waste and other services collaborating in planning, then delivering new projects and precincts.

Liveable communities may be viewed as more expensive but we don’t know yet how communities value liveability. Liveability in Australia supports a productive and prosperous nation. It is a point of difference we can be proud of.

But challenges remain: we must ensure our customers and communities are engaged at the outset. Traditional engineering solutions don’t always present value to the customer and taking a focus on customers and working across the sectors provides the best chance of continuing to support a productive, prosperous and ‘liveable’ Australia.

Everyone has a slightly different view of what liveability means for them, as does every government and organisation. The important thing is how we work together on key issues and opportunities that will demonstrate we all understand and want liveability to be real.

*Adam Lovell is the Executive Director at the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA). Adam provides national leadership in policy positions for the Australian urban water sector on structural, institutional and regulatory issues, including industry reform, integrated water management, water quality, climate change, customer engagement and asset management. WSAA is the peak body for the urban water industry and its members provide water services to 17 million Australians.