Supporting integrated urban water management in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor
We are working with the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (Thailand) to develop an integrated urban water strategy and build capacity to implement it.
The project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Background
Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is a key element of achieving the Thai Government’s national growth strategy for the country. This corridor comprises 3 provinces – Rayong, Chonburi and Chachoengsao – that have experienced strong growth and investment for over 30 years, reflecting their connection to other countries in the region.
The compounding pressures associated with climate change and rapid population growth are a potential constraint on achieving the Thai Government’s objectives for the EEC. So, the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) is partnering with WSCA to:
- develop an integrated urban water strategy for the EEC
- enhance capacity for strategy implementation
- develop linkages between EECO and Australian experts.
Figure: Eastern Economic Corridor, Thailand 1
1 Eastern Economic Corridor Office, 2022, Eastern Economic Corridor fact sheet, EECO, Bangkok.
A potential constraint on achieving its objectives – and one the Thai Government recognises – is climate change. The country is highly vulnerable (ranked 62 out of 181 countries) to climate change impacts such as floods, droughts and sea level rise.2
2 World Bank and Asian Development Bank, 2021, Climate risk country profile – Thailand, World Bank, Bangkok
What we’re doing
This collaboration builds on the Thai and Australian governments’ shared interest and history in supporting integrated urban water management, and Monash’s experience, expertise and reputation as a world leader in water resources management and climate adaptation. The project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
In October 2023, a delegation led by EECO Director General visited water and other city shaping infrastructure in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. Following this visit, 3 areas of cooperation were defined:
- Assistance to clarify the EEC water balance under a range of different development and climate change scenarios
- Application of water sensitive cities principles to the design of the EEC’s proposed new Smart City
- Costing and pricing basis for bulk (wholesale) water supply to the EEC.
Fit-for-purpose Water Balance
This area focuses on helping EECO to establish a water balance for EEC water resource planning and management. The aim is to share experience from Australia on developing a water balance for a region such as Melbourne and how this information is used.
The focus has been on using available data to develop a repeatable systematic process for an EEC water balance, providing a snapshot of water flowing into, around and out of the region to inform policy, planning and communications initiatives. This includes developing a dynamic scenario tool that considers the effect of climate change, and is a foundational element for better urban water system planning and resource accounting, modelling and sharing
Designing a new smart city
This area focuses on helping EECO to apply the principles of water sensitive cities to the practical design and strategic planning of the new EEC Smart City. The technical knowledge exchange explores practical approaches to develop a climate-resilient, water sensitive, liveable city. This includes comprehensive water harvesting capabilities, optimal water retention, drainage systems, water quality restoration, biodiversity, nature-based solutions (NbS) and other environmental aspects.
WSCA is working with the EECO Smart City team to support development of an urban integrated water management (IWM) strategy which has a circular approach to water management, such as capturing stormwater and recycled water for non-potable use. Supporting the urban IWM strategy is a public open space strategy which envisions a series of interconnected parklands, lakes and corridors. This includes the location and design of a lagoon which is a centre piece for the new city.
Pricing water for the future
This area is being developed and is working both with EECO and the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) on a review of water pricing for the EEC region. RID will focus on wholesale water supply while EECO will focus on retail and distribution services. Both reviews intend to consider the composition, level and implementation of prices as well as potential reforms to the price setting process and enabling regulatory framework.
What does a Water Sensitive City look like?
The CRCWSC has produced research, guidelines and
tools related to the following topics:
Integrated Urban Flood
Management
Climate change
mitigation
Community
engagement
Economics and
business case