Exchange Precinct

Perth, Australia

Merit Award: Commercial & Public Works

SUBMITTED BY

Daniel Rose, Cadsult

PROJECT OVERVIEW

• Exchange Precinct, Curtin University (Western Australia): 7 sub-projects delivered over 5+ years, following a
decade of planning
• Major mixed-use hub integrating transport, education, accommodation, and community space
• 2015 Master Plan earned Australia’s first 5 Green Star Communities rating
• Located in a water-scarce region with sandy soils, groundwater reliance, and ~20% rainfall decline since the 1970s
• Campus of ~60,000 users requiring high-quality irrigated landscapes for comfort and recreation
• Curtin is a leader in sustainable water management, maximizing efficient groundwater use
• Regional innovation includes aquifer recharge with purified wastewater

ROLE OF THE IRRIGATION CONSULTANT

• Long-term partner and co-custodian of a 60 ha (150-acre) campus irrigation master plan
• Engaged early to guide water use, Green Star strategies, and protect system integrity
• Maintained full irrigation functionality during construction through proactive mitigation planning
• Delivered flexible solutions by treating each building as an independent sub-project
• Led master planning, schematic design, and multidisciplinary coordination
• Designed and documented irrigation systems for campus infrastructure and individual developments
• Provided tender support and contract administration to resolve project challenges

SPECIAL FACTORS

• Integrated within a 400-acre campus irrigation network, with ~8 acres redeveloped
• Centralized control system with real-time monitoring via a digital dashboard
• Network includes looped mainlines, 18 satellite controllers, 13 groundwater pumps, and isolation valves
• Real-time pressure and flow data supports system optimization and predictive management
• Locally developed control software used across urban and rural Australia
• Construction-phase coordination included planned shutdowns and system adjustments
• Operator-managed system ensured continuous performance and adaptability