Community Views on Green Solutions for Water Management in South East Queensland, Australia

What is it about?

In our recent publication, we focused on a concept called Green Infrastructure (GI), which is an approach used to manage water resources in a sustainable way. GI involves using natural and engineered elements to mimic natural processes and provide multiple benefits for water management. We conducted our research in South East Queensland, Australia, a region that has faced challenges with floods and droughts. To better understand how different people perceive GI, we interviewed various stakeholders, including design and planning professionals, government officials, scientists, and community members familiar with GI. Our findings showed that participants saw GI as a broad concept that includes both natural and semi-natural elements, which offer various benefits and functions. Surprisingly, economic benefits of GI were often overlooked. Additionally, opinions were divided on whether GI is effective for managing droughts. Based on our research, we propose a new, consolidated definition of GI for stormwater management. According to this definition, GI is a strategically planned network of high-quality natural and semi-natural assets that imitate natural processes. It provides multiple benefits and functions, such as improving stormwater management, enhancing environmental quality, and even offering social and economic advantages. To ensure better understanding and informed decision-making regarding flood and drought management, we recommend that water management policies, strategies, plans, and design guidelines in South East Queensland and other areas adopt a consistent definition of GI for water management. By clarifying the concept and promoting a shared understanding, we aim to enhance the integration of GI into water management practices, leading to more sustainable and effective approaches in dealing with water-related challenges.

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Photo by Luca J on Unsplash

Photo by Luca J on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Our research on Green Infrastructure (GI) and its application in water management carries significant uniqueness and timeliness, which contributes to its potential impact on readership. Firstly, the lack of a commonly accepted definition of GI for water management in the existing literature is a critical gap. Our work addresses this gap by proposing a new, consolidated definition that captures the essence of GI for stormwater management. This contribution is timely as it provides clarity and a standardized understanding of GI, enabling professionals and communities to make informed decisions regarding flood and drought management. Secondly, our research was conducted in South East Queensland, Australia, a region that has experienced a cycle of floods and droughts. This geographical focus adds a practical and relevant aspect to our study. As water-related challenges become increasingly prevalent globally, the insights gained from our research can be applied and adapted to other regions facing similar issues, thereby broadening its applicability and increasing its readership. Furthermore, our research delves into stakeholder perceptions of GI, involving a diverse range of participants, including design professionals, government officials, scientists, and community members. By incorporating these different perspectives, our work bridges the gap between academia and practice, making it more accessible and relatable to a broader audience. This inclusivity increases the relevance and potential impact of our research, attracting readers from various disciplines and sectors interested in sustainable water management. By addressing a critical gap, providing practical insights, and incorporating stakeholder perspectives, our work contributes to the advancement of knowledge and practice in the field of GI and water management. These unique aspects of our research make it valuable, timely, and likely to attract a wide readership eager to gain new insights and contribute to sustainable water management efforts.

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