Before developing our planning proposal for Springside Hill we conducted extensive research and focus interviews to understand how the community thought about certain issues – your desires and aspirations as well as your concerns. We did this because we understand that you are passionate about your community and lifestyle, and we want Springside Hill to ultimately bring more public and community benefits to the area. 

You told us loud and clear that Kiama’s ailing sewerage system and future capacity was one of your major concerns.

In response to this crucial issue, our design team sought out innovative solutions that reduce the reliance on the existing Sydney Water sewerage system and infrastructure, whilst delivering tangible environmental benefits for the local community.

Our approach:

Our proposed off-the-grid sewerage and water solution involves the construction of on-site infrastructure dedicated to processing all project wastewater and stormwater completely independent of existing Sydney Water infrastructure. By capturing and processing all of this water, we will be able to harness this water, integrate it, and recycle it. 

The core of this approach is a Local Water Centre, seamlessly integrated into the landscape without emitting noise or odour. It turns wastewater into high quality recycled water suitable for a range of uses, and is supplemented by an expansion of drinking water storage to eliminate additional burden on peak drinking water demand.

Established Success of Off-the-Grid Solutions:

These off-grid systems  have been successfully implemented in numerous landmark master-planned residential communities that have been delivered by the likes of Stockland and Frasers. It is a proven technology and approach that we think will complement and integrate into Springside Hill seamlessly, whilst reducing the reliance on existing infrastructure. 

Environmental and Community Benefits:

This approach enables Springside Hill to significantly reduce its reliance on drinking water and achieve drought resilience.  Valuable drinking water resources are no longer used for toilets and other external uses such as irrigation of community open spaces. The water cycle and local stormwater management system will now be integrated with this infrastructure and ensure that there will be a positive contribution to Kiama’s pristine natural environment.  

With approximately 40 per cent of Springside Hill to be preserved as green open space, the ability to recycle and harness the water cycle will aid in the maintenance and health of these areas, even during periods of drought. This initiative aligns with our broader environmental and social sustainability strategy, which prioritises the restoration of tree canopies on land previously cleared for what is now unviable agricultural production. 

Community Consultation and Sustainability:

Our off-the-grid initiative is just one aspect of a comprehensive environmental and social sustainability strategy guiding the development of Springside Hill. Throughout the planning stages, we remain committed to refining this strategy in consultation with the community, ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of our endeavours.

We look forward to continuing the conversation with our most important stakeholders, you, the community.