Springwood resident Phillip Birtles believes that there is an essential connection between people and water. Through his work at Sydney Water, he taps into that connection, strengthening it and contributing to healthier, happier communities while simultaneously improving waterway health.
Key Points:
How we use and manage water is crucial to healthy waterways and happy communities, especially in the face of challenges like climate change and urbanisation.
Built form can have negative impacts on the natural water cycle, leading to stormwater runoff, pollution, erosion, and sedimentation of waterways.
Integrated Water Cycle Management takes a holistic approach to managing water for healthier environments, minimal waste, and better public amenity.
Available at the turn of a tap, mindlessly consumed, flushed and forgotten. Water is essential to life, and yet so often taken for granted. Springwood resident and Integrated Water Cycle Manager at Sydney Water, Phillip Birtles, is working hard to change how people understand the water cycle and to create better systems of water management.
“How we use water is so important because there’s only so much of it,” he said. “Truth is, there is enough water in Sydney, but we have to work harder to set up better systems in urban areas. We need to have a more mature view of water and the water cycle. So much water is being flushed and so much storm water is running off because of all the hard surfaces – we need to get better at capturing that, especially with climate change and urbanisation. But that’s exciting. It requires different thinking. My job is to move the dial on those things.”
Happy kids enjoying Blue Mountains waterways. (Photo: Belle Butler)
Phillip became interested in rivers and waterway health while studying environmental science at university. He developed a particular interest in urban waterway restoration and later worked at the Department of Land and Water Conservation, promoting Water Sensitive Urban Design concepts and best practice around managing stormwater. “I was trying to protect tiny little streams from development, and I realised the biggest impact was stormwater.”
Water Sensitive Urban Design accepts that conventional urban development can have negative impacts on the natural water cycle. Built-form is full of impervious surfaces that prevent water from doing its natural thing and soaking into the soil. Instead, the water runs off into stormwater drains and watercourses, causing erosion of natural waterways, sedimentation of creeks and rivers, and carrying pollutants with it along the way. Not only is this causing damage to the environment, but it is also enabling the large-scale wasting of water.
Water Sensitive Urban Design aims to integrate the water cycle into urban design, thereby minimising the damage to natural waterways while harnessing, treating and re-using stormwater.
Rock-lined flow paths as part of the Glenbrook Raingardens Project (Photo: Julie Nance)
Sydney Water and Blue Mountains City Council’s jointly funded ‘Glenbrook Raingardens Project’ is an example of this approach. The project involves constructing raingardens and a naturalised stormwater channel with embedded biofilters to remove nutrients from stormwater flows that enter the Hawkesbury Nepean River via Knapsack Creek, thus improving waterway health, creating habitat and improving biodiversity.
At Sydney Water, Phillip’s job has two major focal points: Setting up Integrated Water Cycle Systems in the new development areas around the Western Sydney Airport; and improving water management systems in Parramatta as part of the Make Parramatta River Swimmable Again project.
Integrated Water Cycle Management of Western Sydney Parkland City. (Click to enlarge. Image supplied by Sydney Water)
“Integrated Water Cycle Management is about considering the balance of water sources and sinks in the urban contexts at the same time to provide efficiencies and reduce waste. In this way extra benefits can also be identified and considered,” Phillip said.
He explained that Wianamatta (‘The Mother Place’ in Dharug), or South Creek as it’s commonly known, is the most significant waterway that runs through Western Sydney. Already degraded from past and present land-use practices since European settlement, it is also a catchment area that is experiencing rapid urban development. Phillip’s aim is to set up Integrated Water Cycle Systems that improve and protect the health of the natural waterways, manage and utilise water efficiently, and vastly improve the liveability of the area.
“The biggest risk to freshwater streams like Wianamatta is stormwater, causing erosion and then sedimentation,” he said. “One solution is to hold stormwater, harvest as much as possible and put it into a distribution system as a recycled product, mainly used for irrigation and by industry. This reduces the draw down on the dam and protects the system, creating almost unlimited water supply in the urbanised areas of Western Sydney, which are getting hotter and hotter.”
Artist impression of treatment wetlands and trunk drainage channels and creeks (Photo supplied by Sydney Water)
While the science and tech are all there to create and implement these systems, the task is not so simple. “A truly integrated approach to something as complex as the water system is really difficult,” Phillip said. “It requires a holistic approach, and change, which can be hard because people resist change, even when we can see the benefits of it. A lot of what I do is getting different people to talk about it – connecting people and helping them understand. So it’s a people game.”
Connecting people with water is a driving force of Phillip’s work. “Human connection to water is really important,” he said. “It seems that people are drawn to it – real estate value near water is an indicator of that. There are lots of studies that show significant mental health improvements from connection with water, so it’s really important communities have access to clean waterways that aren’t sanitised.”
1938 swimmers at Lake Parramatta. (Photo State Library of NSW)
In line with his passion for bringing water and people together, one of the highlights of Phillip’s career has been his involvement in the Parramatta River Masterplan and Make Parramatta River Swimmable Again. “This was the first time we really connected catchment management with a swimming outcome,” he said, “and it was an example of effective community engagement.”
The process involved engaging a PR firm that asked the local community what resonated with them and the Parramatta River. The answer was swimming, and so ensued the Parramatta River Catchment Group’s project, Make Parramatta River Swimmable Again. “We started by asking the people a question, then looked at the data to see if it was possible. We were able to create a management program focussing on an outcome that the community wanted – rather than the usual way of looking at data first, then moving the dial on it to loosely match community outcomes last.”
The project involves rigorous modelling to find out which sites on the Parramatta River are possible to improve and make safe for swimming, the implementation of stronger requirements on stormwater management and sewer system upgrades, auditing major construction sites, and water quality testing as well as real time monitoring at the designated swim sites. “This changed the conversation in Sydney around waterway management,” Phillip said. “It legitimised that you can have a stormwater management outcome and swimming in urban areas.”
Concept impression of a potential future swimming site. (Image Studio Octopi, supplied by Sydney Water)
In this project, and at the heart of Phillip’s work, is the simple equation that a positive outcome for waterways equals a positive outcome for people. “Improving water quality for swimming means improving waterway health in general. It creates a positive feedback loop – if people care about swimming in water, then people care about clean waterways.”
Take Action:
Individuals can make changes at home to better manage water. Some small actions can make a difference, including:
Installing a rain water tank.
Building a raingarden. Find tips on how to do it yourself here: Building a raingarden
When embarking on building work, being conscious of sediment runoff and install a temporary silt fence.
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
We had a thoroughly enjoyable final Skill Share Saturday for the year yesterday with Qigong, Fashion Upcycling, Seed Saving and Bushcare! We shared seeds from local gardens and harvested carrots, as well as Mizuna, Broad Bean, Daikon and Land Cress seeds from the Planetary Health garden. We then packaged up (and shared) our first Upper Mountains Seed Savers packs for our fledgling Seed Bank. In Bushcare it`s very exciting to see whole new areas of the Planetary Health Precinct open up as we remove invasive weeds. It`s been a year of great progress as we`ve restored habitat for wildlife and given local native plants the opportunity to flourish and re-establish on the site.
Join the Planetary Health Centre this Sat 6 Dec for the last Skill Share Saturday of the year: Qigong at 9am, Seed Saving & Gardening Group at 10am, and Bushcare at 1.30pm. One perfect day with great company, great coffee and food, and great steps for living a healthy balanced life, while also contributing to the health of our planet for present and future generations. All ages welcome!
Registration links in profile and below.
Register for Qigong here: https://bit.ly/48wlHjD Register for Seed Saving & Gardening here: https://bit.ly/4prcRe7 Register for Bushcare here: https://bit.ly/4oAFDrz
We have a rare opportunity to learn about the newest and best possible ways to support family and community members struggling with mental health issues, at a free talk and afternoon tea provided by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary at the Planetary Health Centre at 2pm this Saturday 29 Nov. Hear from Peter Joseph AM, Chair of the Black Dog Institute, and Professor Helen Christensen AO, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and former Executive Director and Chief Scientist at the Black Dog Institute. They`ll be in conversation with journalist Emma Rossi. Dr Christensen is a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables – like movement, screen use, and sleep – to detect early signs of mental health issues. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
This Saturday Sherlie McMillan from Rotarians 4 Planetary Health will be running a workshop on How to use a sewing machine from 9am at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. Learn how to set up a machine, service it, troubleshoot when it`s not sewing correctly, and learn some basic sewing skills.
Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/how-to-use-your-sewing-machine
NB. This class is a prerequisite for our very popular Fashion Upcycling classes held once a month.
We`re thrilled to announce that Professor Helen Christensen, a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression, will be joining the conversation with Peter Joseph AM from the Black Dog Institute and journalist Emma Rossi at the Planetary Health Centre at 2pm this Saturday 29 November. Helen was the Executive Director and Chief Scientist for the Black Dog Institute for 10 years and has now been elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables – like movement, screen use, and sleep – to detect early signs of mental health issues. This free event is being co-hosted by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Human composting is increasingly being legalised around the world. Read about it in Katoomba Area Local News here (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/legalising-human-composting/
If you’d like to see this option available in NSW you can now sign a live petition to the NSW Parliament here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/43QIHbz
Thanks to everyone who contributed to deliver a fantastic Disaster Risk Awareness Expo and Family Day yesterday. @mark_greenhill_mayor opened the event at which we celebrated the 13th birthday of Betty the Asbestos Education House; @firecoat_au demonstrated and launched its range of fire retardant products that can help protect homes, gardens and even electricity poles; the Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit was launched; Santa arrived and delighted young and old; and @plantinspired99 and Action for Animals fed us all with a delicious plant-based sausage sizzle. The day was filled with talks, workshops, stalls and the sharing of a huge amount of expertise to keep us, and the other species we share our planet with, safe and healthy! @southkatoomba.rfb @nswses @fireandrescuensw @nswrfs @redcrossleura @redcrossau @shelter.building.design @firehalo.au @asbestosawareness @amelie_ecology @bbagsbluemtns @wireswildliferescue @handsheartfeet
Our marquee is up and we`re excited about our Expo and Family Day tomorrow (Sat 22 Nov). There`s something for everyone from a free sausage sizzle, plants from Santa and drumming and pollinator workshops, to sessions on keeping you and our community safe from extreme weather events and hazardous substances like mould and asbestos. Learn how intumescent paints can slow the spread of fire and pick up a sample pot; check out all our emergency service organisations; learn how to dispose of hazardous materials; paint a native orchid, make some seed balls or sew a boomerang bag to give as plastic-free Christmas presents this year; enjoy coffee and locally made sweets; and get tips on how to retrofit your home safely and beautifully to be prepared for future extreme weather events. View the full program and register here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
There are so many new and innovative ways of doing things, like the new cooking techniques being explored by Michael from Good Fat Pastry, and the new fire protection methods being launched at the Planetary Health Centre`s Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 Nov. Check out Michael’s recent presentation at the Food Security Fair in our video here: https://bit.ly/4pnXbIg (link in profile) and come along to taste his delicious carrot cake and pastries at the Expo on Saturday. Check out the program and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
In 2006 Peter Joseph’s son Michael suicided after a 14-year episodic battle with mental illness. Peter is now the Chair of the Black Dog Institute which is working to achieve better outcomes for all those struggling with mental health issues. Journalist Emma Rossi will engage Peter in an intimate and moving conversation about a life of purpose and mental health advocacy. As a Rotary scholar Peter will also reflect on how Rotary helped shape his values and sense of purpose as a young man - and how those early lessons continue to guide his work today. This free event is being hosted by the Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary Club and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative on Saturday 29 November from 2-4pm at the Planetary Health Centre at 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Learn about intumescent fire retardant paint and a range of other strategies to prepare for extreme weather events, and to manage hazardous materials, at the upcoming Expo and Family Day at the Planetary Health Centre on Sat 22 Nov. You can register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J We checked out how intumescent paint works in this video.
When temperatures reach a certain point the intumescent paint begins to swell and expand, often up to 50 times its original thickness. It forms a thick, carbonaceous "char" that acts as an insulating barrier. This layer slows the rate at which heat reaches the structural elements and buys valuable time for people to safely exit a building during a fire. It makes the structure safer for firefighters and rescue teams. #intumescentpaint #fireretardant #bushfire @firecoat_au...
Mould, lead paint, asbestos, silica dust from engineered stone bench tops and a wide range of chemicals, are amongst some of the many hazardous substances entering our environment and negatively impacting our health. Asbestos is found in over 3000 products including textured paints, moulded garden pots, brake pads and clutch linings in older cars, floor and ceiling tiles, lino, fibro, roofing, pipes and gutters, hot water systems, backing for switchboards and insulation boards in air-conditioning ducts, insulation, sealants, fillers, caulking and adhesives, gaskets for industrial and lab equipment and more. We’ll have information to take away and Blue Mountains City Council and the Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Consultants Association (AHCA) will be running free workshops on how to identify and manage these hazardous substances at the Planetary Health Centre`s Disaster Risk Awareness Expo in Katoomba on Sat 22 Nov. Find out more and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Belle Butler is a writer, musician and occasional photographer. She likes mix-and-matching these artforms and often explores the same themes through each of them. Her short fiction has been published in numerous Australian literary journals and she recently received a WestWords Fellowship and Mentorship with Delia Falconer for her novel manuscript, ‘River.’ Hopefully it will be published one day.
The Homes for Older Women (HOW) program is a successful community-based solution to the national housing crisis. Since launching in May last year, the Blue Mountains not-for-profit has secured accommodation for 47 older women facing housing insecurity and homelessness.
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