Delivering an adaptive strategy for Redlands wastewater treatment in a highly constrained region

Adaptive Pathways Planning is essential given the uncertain future and variable circumstances impacting the water sector. This approach involves understanding when existing approaches are no longer viable, creating strategies for various alternative scenarios and enabling adjustments as situations evolve. With our diverse experience and broad network of specialists, our approach is tailored to understand uncertainties brought about by unpredictable factors.

By focusing on flexibility, robustness and collaboration, we provide comprehensive structured planning and decision-making services across technical, business and government domains. With Adaptive Pathways Planning, you can identify different drivers of change, determine new opportunities and effectively communicate with stakeholders.

The Redland Wastewater Treatment Strategic Planning Study, conducted by GHD in 2020, outlines the optimal upgrade strategy for wastewater treatment in Redland City Council (RCC) until 2046. The study involved the development of a long list of options, refined through multi-criteria analysis (MCA) to determine a preferred strategy.

Despite exceptional performance in nitrogen reduction, significant short-term investments across multiple wastewater treatment plants are necessary. The study also addressed broader uncertainties related to climate change impacts, biosolids treatment and water shortages, requiring a strategic approach to future planning.

To navigate uncertainties and accommodate future changes, GHD applied an adaptive planning approach. This allowed for the consideration of future uncertainties, providing confidence in pursuing the preferred strategy while identifying corresponding actions to mitigate risks. The strategy articulates various treatment and disposal options at the main wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), including options alternate release locations and water quality offsets. Flexibility is a key driver of the strategy to adapt to future regulatory and climate shocks, with provisions for technical investigations to address knowledge gaps and enable informed decision-making.

The Adaptive Strategy emphasises a holistic, integrated approach focused on achieving improved outcomes for receiving waters. It acknowledges the need for flexibility to adapt to future uncertainties, including regulatory and climate shocks.

The strategy identifies next steps, including technical investigations and planning for a new release point until its necessity is determined, ensuring resilience and sustainability in wastewater treatment for RCC.

The Council’s commitment to proactive planning and strategic foresight sets a standard for resilient and sustainable wastewater management. Through the adoption of adaptive planning, RCC has demonstrated its readiness to navigate uncertainties and address evolving challenges in the water sector.

By leveraging innovative approaches and engaging stakeholders collaboratively, RCC is well-placed to enhance the reliability, safety and efficiency of its wastewater treatment facilities, ensuring the wellbeing and prosperity of its community for years to come. The adaptive strategy has been progressively updated as a ‘living plan’ as uncertainties become more evident.