Torhaven has been recognised for its ground-breaking treatment of floodplains at Torhaven Park – avoiding the creation of a large, unusable space with bio-retention drain and instead delivering a highly activated community asset.

Torhaven’s industry-first ephemeral wetland project features a design that is so ground-breaking, it has been recognised in three prestigious industry awards:

• WINNER, 2019 Stormwater Queensland Awards for Excellence – Excellence in Infrastructure category
• FINALIST, 2019 Sustainability Awards – Landscape & Biophilia category
• FINALIST, 2019 Australian Water Awards – Innovation category

 

DHA engaged E2Designlab and Water Technology to design the project and through rigorous site investigation and modelling, provided Ipswich City Council with confidence to proceed with Torhaven’s innovative ephemeral wetland solution. The result is a project that not only meets the water quality objectives of the State Panning Policy, but delivers a natural ecosystem for the broader community.

Currently, best practice urban flood management strategies restrict the use, embellishment or development of floodplains; creating large unusable land spaces within urban developments. At Torhaven, DHA replaced these traditional bio-retention stormwater systems with an ephemeral wetland that retains the land’s slope and existing watercourse. While dormant for extended dry periods, the wetlands can accommodate torrential run-off from the Torhaven estate and 45 hectares of surrounding areas, removing pollutants naturally before the water flows back into the local Deebing Creek waterway.

DHA is committed to creating healthy and sustainable communities for Defence families and the broader community. They have a long-term commitment to the communities they build and are continually looking at new housing methods and sustainable practices.