Sustainability and Water Resources Management for the Northern Adelaide Plains, South Australia

593 Pages·2015·39.73 MB·English

by  Nicholas S. Fleming

2E'å,
THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Sustainability and
Water Resources Management
for the Northern Adelaide Plains,
South Australia
Volume 1 of 2
Nicholas S. Fleming
Thesis submitted for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
in The University of Adelaide
(Faculty of Engineering)
ustainabi ity and
S I
Water Resources Management
for the Northern Adelaide Plains,
South Australia
Volume 1 of
2z
to
Thesis Chapters 1 15
Volume 2 of 2:
Appendices to Thesis

"sustainability is a carefully chosen journey
rather than an end point."
After: Sustainable Human Habitat Consukants,
(in Foulsham & Munday Pty Ltd, Ecoweb,l994)
"We do not inherit the Earth from our parents,
we borrow it from our children."
Kenyan Proverb
"Water is the driving force of Nature."
Leonardo da Vinci
"ln a very real sense, water is life."
Young, Dooge & Rodda, 1994
"Water will be the issue for the 21st Century."
"All the water we will ever have is here now."
Vehrop,1996
"The design of the city is, in itseli an express¡on of culture."
South Australian Planning Review, 1992
IV
Statement of Originality
Consent to Photocopy or Borrow
This work contains no material which has been accepted for the award of any other
Degree or Diploma in a University or other tertiary institution and, to the best of my
knowledge and belief, contains no material previously published or written by any
other person, except where due reference has been made in the text.
I give consent to this copy of my thesis, when deposited in the University Library,
being available for loan and photocopying.
Date:
Signed: 16 March IQQQ
Stua¡t
VI
Abstract
The role of humankind as a part of Nature, rather than ruler of it, is now being
recognised more widely than at any other time in modern history. Throughout the
course of the 20th century, human beings have exploited the available natural assets
to such an extent that their very suruival on Earth is threatened. The traditional
patterns of industrialisation and development, which embody a short sighted view of
natural resource use, cannot be allowed to continue.
The concept of sustainable development has evolved as a positive response to these
concerns. The subject is explored at both the philosophical and practical levels,
with a focus upon water resources and urban development. The Northern Adelaide
Plains is used as a case study. Simulation of urban growth patterns and water
resources management has been undeftaken as part of the case study. lnnovative
techniques have been employed, such as the use of Anificial Neural Networks to
model regional water consumption. Volumetric runoff coefficients have also been
developed to enable the prediction of stormwater yield in the temperate climates
characteri stic of southern Austral ia.
Clearly planning decisions made now are crucial to the sustainabiliÇ of human
societies. The costs and benefits of development are distributed over long periods of
time, particularly for public infrastructure projects. lt is therefore necessary for
decisions to be made in an open manner, addressing all the important factors, and
following a precautionary approach. An innovative, simple and practical tool has
been developed called the Matrx for Evaluation of Sustainability Achievement
(MESA). Quantitative as well as qualitative data can be used jointly in the decision
making process which does not rely solely on economics to arrive at a decision.
The theory and an application of this tool are presented.
MESA is shown to be a useful decision making tool. While the MESA process is
valuable in itself, the ability to actually incorporate the views and aspirations of a
diverse community is unique. The assessment process is structured to be totally
transparent, open for debate and discussion, providing information on the relative
merits of each alternative.
Recommendations for future work and research are provided
vilt
Acknowledgements
The breadth and nature of study that has been necessary to develop this thesis has
required the assistance of many people. I am fortunate to have been supported by
so many enthusiastic people from government, private enterprise and the general
community, and I wish to acknowledge the following key contributors.
Mr Trevor Daniel| has been an oulstanding supe¡yisø. During the course of the
reseárcñ-hã hfprovided wise guidancJ and constructive criticism, questions
without answers, devil's advocacy, and understanding in times of difficulty. The
philosophical and intellectual debate in which we could engage was particularly
enriching. This was suppofted throughout by his close and valued friendship. lt has
been a wholly rewarding experience for which I am tremendously grateful.
The interest, support and encouragement of my fiancee, Kesta Bedford, has been the
source of energy required to complete this work in often trying circumstances. The
understanding aad great patience of my family is also warmly acknowledged. The
support of fellow postgraduates and friends must also be noted, particularly that of
Peter Hill and Julie Rogers.
At the professional level, there have been many valued contributions. The
Assessment Panel who were intimately involved in the research must be specially
thanked. Members of the Panel were Mr Bob Ritchie, Mr Michael O'Connell, Ms
Angela Hazebroek, Mr Nabil Cerges, Ms Kathryn Bellette, Mr Harry Pitrans.
A range of people made valuable contributions to the thesis development process at
the outset of this research. Most notable in this regard was Mr Richard Clark, a
known visionary from the Water Resources Croup, Department of Environment &
Natural Resources. The thoughts and comments of Professor D. Peter Loucks
(Cornell University, New York State), Mr Mike Mouritz (lnstitute for Science &
Technology Policy, Murdoch University), and Professor Robert Warner and Assoc.
Prof. Dr Craeme Dandy (Dept of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Adelaide
UniversiÇ) are also appreciated.
The assistance of the following organisations and their staff must also be gratefully
acknowledged:
.
Department of Environment & Natural Resources, pafticularly Messers David
Cresswell and Robin Leaney of the Water Resources Croup;
o
CIS Cooperative of Adelaide (CISCA), particularly Mr Errol Bamford;
o
SA Water Corporation (formerly Engineering & Water Supply Department);
.
DepaÉment of Housing and Urban Development;
.
South Australian Housing Trust, especially Mr Dennis Mitchell;
o
Bureau of Meteorology;
.
Mr Borvin Kracman and the former MFP Development Corporation;
o
Mr Vic Curd and the Virginia lrrigation Association lnc.;
.
City of Playford (formerly the Cities of Elizabeth, and Munno Para);
.
City of Salisbury; and
.
Town of Cawler.
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