Harnessing technology to develop resilient solutions for Adelaide
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Our urban stormwater systems and infrastructure are under increasing pressure. New communities and infill development with larger roofs, more hard paved, impermeable areas and roads, paths and surfaces are generating higher rates of runoff – and demand on the drainage system continues to rise.
We are noticing their capacity to deliver the same flood protection to homes and business is not as it has always been.
A changing climate will further exacerbate rainfall intensity, alter seasonal patterns and cause prolonged drought, creating uncertainty and challenging traditional approaches to stormwater network design.
How can we make the stormwater system work smarter, not harder?
Join us to hear from Darren Ray, Professor Holger Maier, Dr Mark Thyer and Rachel Murchland as they discuss harnessing new technologies, looking at the problem from a fresh perspective and using machine learning to help develop optimised and resilient solutions for Adelaide suburbs.
Read more about the smart stormwater storage study.
Presenters
Darren Ray, Principal Climate Change Analyst, Department for Environment and Water
Darren is the Principal Climate Change Analyst at the South Australian Department for Environment and Water, and is often a guest lecturer on climate influences, climate change and climate projection modelling at The University of Adelaide. Beginning his weather and climate career in 2002 with the Bureau of Meteorology, he is well known in South Australia for his work in bridging the gap between weather and climate science, and evidence-based decision making.
He enjoys communicating climate science to a broad range of audiences, dispelling climate myths and supporting the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Professor Holger Maier, Professor of Environmental Engineering, University of Adelaide
Holger’s research is focused on developing improved techniques for the sustainable management of infrastructure and natural resources in an uncertain environment. He is particularly interested in the water-energy nexus and natural hazards.
At the University of Adelaide, Holger lectures in climate and environmental impact modelling, harnessing machine learning and data driven models, with his contribution to the Smart Detention Tank Project earning a commendation for Excellence in Research & Innovation at the 2020 Stormwater South Australia Excellence Awards.
Dr Mark Thyer, Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Adelaide
Mark’s research experience, spanning 17 years, in developing physical-statistical models to enhance predictions for hydrological, environmental and water resources models is underpinned by a keen interest in long-term climate variability and behavioural water use modelling for integrated urban water management.
He is an internationally recognised expert on approaches to quantify uncertainty in hydrological predictions, a member of the Water Research Centre, where he works with a range of allies to solve water-related problems easily and collaborates with local, national and international institutions on specialist water supply projects.
Rachel Murchland, Principal Project Manager, City of Mitcham
Rachel is the Principal Project Manager at the City of Mitcham, and a Civil and Environmental Engineer with over 17 years of involvement in the stormwater industry working primarily on Kaurna country across consulting, state and local government areas. Rachel is passionate about supporting the engineering industry, working together with first nations, to enhance the integration between the natural and the built environments, and returning water to country through infiltration and passive reuse.