A trial at Caloundra, diverting stormwater to street trees, has been commended at a recent state-wide awards night.

Sunshine Coast Council’s innovative pilot project at Golden Beach and Currimundi was recognised at the Stormwater Queensland Excellence Awards on February 4.

The trial started in May and is showing promising results.

“The Storm Watered Street Tree Trial diverts stormwater from our roads and kerbs by cutting the kerb and channel and diverting part of the flow towards the roots of the street trees,” Divisional councillor Terry Landsberg said.

“We are trialling a variety of tree species with the different design concepts.

“This delivers water and nutrients directly to the trees which can improve growth and survival rates and reduce maintenance costs and the amount of treated water used.

“Golden Beach is the first suburb on the Sunshine Coast to trial the functional, cost-effective and sustainable watering solution.

“Council is monitoring and learning from the trial to improve and adapt the project to suit other locations.”

Councillor Landsberg said the Commendation for Excellence in Research and Innovation was evidence council was advancing its vision as Australia’s Most Sustainable Region.

Stormwater Queensland Awards showcase master planning and integrated stormwater design and the benefits to Queensland’s waterway health.

Research and Innovation 2021 awards

Winner: Stormwater treatment systems within North Queensland agricultural catchments – Terrain NRM on behalf of the Wet Tropics Consortium, AWC, & Department of Environment and Science;

Commendation: Golden Beach and Bellara Avenue Storm Watered Street Tree Trial Project – Sunshine Coast Council & Design Flow Consulting;