STEM Community Partnerships Program

Fairfield local scenario Water Catchments The Fairfield local government area (LGA) lies between the and the Hawkesbury-Nepean River catchments, with a network of creeks linking it to the Western Parklands and parts of the original Woodland. Sections of the LGA are also extremely prone to flooding. Water is important in maintaining the biodiversity of this area and the whole community will benefit from managing this well. With increasing urbanisation, particularly with the growth of high-density dwellings, there has been increased damage to the natural waterways and ongoing problems of overflows. It is estimated that 95% of the contaminant load of the waterways is from stormwater runoff. This affects the health and safety of the residents and affects local flora and fauna. Implementation of best management practices, education and participation of Council and community may assist with this problem. Council has implemented a Creek Care Program to clean, re-vegetate and regenerate at 60 different sites across the Fairfield LGA, with the assistance of professionals and community members. In addition, it is a member of the Georges Riverkeeper which is seeking to have a cleaner catchment from reducing litter, regenerating bush and being an advocate for natural resource management. Water used in domestic situations may not be effectively recycled for the environment and perhaps increase the local damage to waterways and storm water overflow. Research and technology may provide insights to develop new processes to assist manage these problems and provide improved local biodiversity outcomes. How your Council tackles the complexity of this issue impacts you and your community, now and in the future.

Google maps Your task Your task is to use the information above and resources provided below as a start to identify a local problem and design a STEM-focussed solution. (Question, Design, Explore, Communicate) Resources

CSIRO research

• CSIRO Water Book https://www.csiro.au/en/Research/Environment/Water/Water-Book/About

Reports

• catchments https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/Community/Your- Environment/Catchments

• Georges Riverkeeper Strategic Plan 2018-2022 https://georgesriver.org.au/resources/georges- riverkeeper-strategic-plan-2018-2022

Articles and other resources

• Fairfield's Flood Plains and Flood Studies https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/Planning-and- Building/Planning-and-Policies/Flood-Maps

• NSW Flood Data Portal for Fairfield City Council https://flooddata.ses.nsw.gov.au/organization/fairfield-city-council

• Recycled water in Fairfield https://www.theprimegroup.com.au/prime-constructions/portfolio- item/veolia-recycled-water-treatment-plant/

• Sydney Water recycling https://www.sydneywater.com.au/sw/water-the- environment/how-we-manage-sydney-s-water/recycled-water-network/index.htm

Generation STEM is managed by CSIRO and made possible by an endowment from the NSW Government to the Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF).