Chris Devitt, Director Technical Services from Orange City Council will talk about the next steps for the Blackmans Swamp Creek stormwater harvesting scheme. Orange City Council has won several stormwater and environmental awards, and was the first centre in Australia to harvest stormwater for drinking. Chris will show you how to implement best practice in the management of water quality, and also how to engage the community and meet the necessary requirements for your stormwater harvesting project.

Lachlan Johnson, Roads Engineer from Manningham City Council will showcase the results from the Trinity Grammar Stormwater Harvesting Scheme. Also given a ‘Highly Commended’ award as part of the Stormwater Industry Association 2009 National Stormwater Excellence Award, this project is a leading example of how constructed wetlands can progress stormwater harvesting and irrigation projects.

Colin Knight, Environmental Sustainability Specialist from Melbourne Zoo has had a lengthy career with Melbourne Zoo fulfilling a variety of roles, with his current position focusing on Environmental Sustainability. He has implemented a number of water efficiency projects that have contributed to reducing Melbourne Zoos water consumption.

Ben Zarb, Water Technician from Melbourne Zoo has worked for 3 years at Melbourne Zoo, in a water management role, this takes in the operation of the Storm Water Recycling Plant, all the running and design of some aquatic life support systems, water sampling and all other water related issues.

Dr Declan Page, Project Leader, Recycling and Diversified Supply - Managed Aquifer Recharge from CSIRO Land and Water specialises in drinking and wastewater quality/treatment and risk management. He is involved in urban water research, specifically the recycling of storm water and wastewater via aquifers.

Dr Page is the author of many journal articles, reports, and conference papers. He has also won several awards including the G Burton Medal, Hydrological Society of Canberra in 2001. He is a current member of the International Water Association. Dr Page holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Adelaide, a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours in Chemical Technology) from the University of South Australia, an M.B.A. from La Trobe University, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of South Australia and the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment.

Rod Wiese, Principal Engineer & Managing Director from Storm Consulting is a Civil and Environmental Engineer with 18 years experience in the water industry, including stormwater quality treatment, water balance as well as stormwater harvesting, treatment and reuse. Using the experience gained from over 30 stormwater harvesting projects, he develops and conducts training in this field for peak bodies such as the Stormwater Industry Association and Clearwater (Melbourne Water).

Rod formed STORM in 1997 and has since operated at a senior role to plan and deliver sustainable stormwater and drainage systems. Through his company STORM, he has been recognised for his initiative in the development of stormwater technology by way of receiving numerous awards of excellence in Victorian, NSW and National categories. Rod is regularly invited to contribute to forums and technical discussions and deliver presentations and workshops on WSUD related issues. Rod also guides the direction of the industry through his appointment as Vice President of Stormwater Victoria.

Penny Mueller from Moonee Valley City Council will showcase their award-winning Afton Street stormwater harvesting project. This project involved retrofitting stormwater quality treatment in a highly developed urban environment, and mitigating the worst effects of a conventional drainage system. You will also hear about how the council designed and implemented habitat enhancement along the Maribyrnong River, and the impact this project has had on the local community.