City of Mandurah

Performing Arts Centre Waterwise Garden

The City of Mandurah's transformation of a thirsty and leak-prone water feature into an attractive waterwise garden has not only delivered long term water savings, but has also made for a safer, and more diverse cultural precinct for the community to enjoy.

The once water guzzling pond was transformed into a waterwise garden with enhanced amenities.

Breathing new life into a public space

The Performing Arts Centre Waterwise Garden project was initiated to reduce the City’s water use, as the pond had to be topped up daily to combat high evaporation rates. By removing the water feature, the City were able to reduce their groundwater use by 10%, which is a saving of over 1.7 million litres each year. Transforming the space also led to many further benefits including a beautiful visual amenity and a more useable space for the community.

The original water feature had been enjoyed by the community for many years, the City understood that is was important to bring some existing design elements into the new concept. With a focus on creating a great space, the City’s Landscapes and Development teams started working on a big picture that would pay homage to favoured aspects.

The result is what feels like a brand new Mandjar Square cultural precinct. Featuring native plants where the once thirsty pond stood is a stunning example of how waterwise garden design can be just what is needed to breathe new life into a public area. Additional seating, extra shade, music play features and a water bottle refill station have enhanced the areas amenity. And perhaps above all is the eradicated visitor safety risk through the removal of an open water body.  

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