Integrated Water Management plan for Lake Pertobe: WarrnambooL City Council

Case study: Effective water management planning for a sustainable region

Working in partnership with PM Design, Wave Consulting developed an IWM plan which will enhance the sustainable use of water of this key area.

Integrated Water Management (IWM) plan
Gunditjmara lands, Lake Pertobe

Key facts

Lake Pertobe is a key regional asset in Warrnambool

Warrnambool’s most recognised visitor attraction, named among Trip Advisor’s Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Parks*

The problem

Warrnambool City Council has identified Lake Pertobe as a focal point for sustainable water use and projects due to several factors. This includes significant stormwater inputs to the lake, recreational use of the water, interaction with the Merri River, and its proximity to the coast.

Wave Consulting Australia, supported by Wannon Water and DEECA, was engaged to develop an Integrated Water Management (IWM) plan for Lake Pertobe, a key regional asset in Warrnambool. The objectives of the IWM Plan were to:

engage and support the land and water managers in the precinct in more sustainable water use
identify opportunities to reduce demand on potable supply
identify opportunities to improve the quality of stormwater discharge to the Merri River
identify opportunities to reduce stormwater and ground water pollution
identify opportunities for integrated water management to improve the open space and other community amenities of the precinct
identify opportunities to value the cultural, ecological, and local aboriginal characteristics of the precinct
identify opportunities for this highly utilised site to support broader community awareness and education about where our water comes from and associated impacts.

Wave Consulting Australia partnered with Tim Tutt from PM Design for the delivery of this project.

Aerial shot of a lakes area next to an urban environment.

The solution

Wave Consulting Australia collaborated with PM Design to develop solutions that will enhance water and community liveability objectives.

These options encompassed the implementation of roof water harvesting and significant improvement of permeability through the strategic incorporation of infiltration trenches, passively watered trees, and bioretention systems. These measures aim to recharge the Warrnambool sandstone aquifer while safeguarding the quality of groundwater.

Additionally, maintenance requirements for the new assets were carefully considered to enhance stormwater treatment and create engaging, usable community assets. The options also emphasised the importance of connecting lakes and effectively managing water levels, alongside the utilisation of stormwater irrigation and greywater reuse techniques.

The impact

The Integrated Water Management Plan has created a focal point for future state and local government funding, driving impactful change.

These initiatives not only aim to bolster sustainable water usage but also elevate awareness about the critical significance and value of effective water management.

*Trip Advisor’s Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Parks (South Pacific region), 2016