This workshop is designed for people who need to understand key technical and management issues relating to erosion and sediment control in the urban environment in NSW. The workshop covers site assessment, erosion control, sediment control and site management and inspection. The workshop is broadly the same as the NSW Stormwater Trust's 2004 "Blue Book" Workshops.

This workshop introduces the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation as a tool for assessing erosion risk at a site under different management conditions. It does not address basic erosion and sediment control techniques, detailed engineering considerations, mathematical calculations or preparing plans for erosion and sediment control. This workshop is aimed at developers and consultants, civil and environmental engineers, local government officers and others wishing to update their knowledge in line with the current edition of the "Blue Book". All delegates must bring either a copy of the Blue Book (4th Edition) or a laptop computer to the workshop.

The workshop will cover water cycle and stormwater management in a catchment context and will answer questions such as: Is stormwater a problem? Are there consequences of creating impervious surfaces? Do we need to trade-off quantity versus quality issues? What strategies are there to deal with stormwater pollutants? How do you get the best outcomes from your local council? What is the impact on local government resources and asset management? What are the legal and operational issues regarding stormwater? What is the difference between mainstream and overland flooding?

The objective of the workshop is to advance the knowledge and understanding of stormwater management for those having to deal with issues involving stormwater. This workshop would be ideal for Local Government Councillors, professional engineers new to the stormwater industry, manufacturers, consultants and other non-engineers who have a need to understand the basics of stormwater management.

Half Day Workshops           9.00 am to 12.30 pm

Workshop 3: Water Sensitive Urban Design - Getting the Right Mix
Simon Beecham, Professor of Sustainable Water Resources Engineering, University of South Australia

This course is designed for Council Development Application (DA) Assessors and Certified Checkers (CC). It will be a half day course aimed at giving assessors an insight into dealing with WSUD development proposals. The course will be structured around a best planning practice model with examples provided of specific Council planning requirements.

The workshop is intended to provide knowledge about how WSUD works, the required design elements and their configuration for proper performance. The role of modelling in WSUD will be explained by Prof Beecham, who will provide critical information on how to undertake checks. The workshop is suitable for council staff involved with DA assessment and Certified Checkers. The course would also be of interest to consultants wishing to gain a better understanding of council requirements.

Workshop 4: Natural Channel Design
Grant Witheridge, Director, Catchments and Creeks Pty Limited

This course introduces the concepts of Natural Channel Design (NCD) for use in the design of drainage channels and the rehabilitation of minor watercourses within heavily modified catchments.

Workshop 5: Stormwater Management with Rain Gardens
Rod Wiese, Managing Director, Storm Consulting

Rain Gardens are increasingly being employed as a stormwater device in WSUD treatment trains. Combining landscaped looks and engineered design, they fit perfectly into the urban fabric. Being bioinfiltration systems, they combine retention and water quality functions while at the same time looking contemporary. Rain Gardens have been used in car parks, parks, plazas and streetscapes.

This workshop is ideal for Council staff and consultants and will provide design skills with background information, case studies and worked examples. The course material draws from workshops developed by Melbourne Water's Clearwater Program

Half Day Workshops           1.30 pm to 5.00 pm

Workshop 6: Treatment of Creek and Gully Erosion
Grant Witheridge, Director, Catchments and Creeks Pty Limited

A practical-based course on the various forms and causes of watercourse and gully erosion, providing detailed discussion on the selection and application of a wide range of treatment techniques.

Workshop 7: Stormwater Harvesting & Reuse - WORKSHOP FULL
Rod Wiese, Managing Director, Storm Consulting

Climate change, drought, water restrictions and rising water prices have combined to expedite the uptake of water conservation measures across the Australian community. Stormwater harvesting and reuse is one measure being adopted and is suitable for open space and landscape irrigation. Other specialised systems also supply houses in new residential developments with water for toilet flushing and laundry uses.

This workshop is ideal for Council staff and consultants and will provide planning and design skills with background information such as guideline compliance, case studies and worked examples. The course material draws from workshops developed by Melbourne Water's Clearwater Program.