Western Sydney International Airport’s Bio-retention Basin no. 7

Western Sydney International Airport’s Bio-retention Basin no. 7 is an integral part of the Airport’s stormwater management system. The bio-retention basin covers an area of approximately 1.0 hectare and has flood retention capacity of 117,000 kilolitres.

Bio-retention Basin 7 is designed for a 100-year average recurrence interval (ARI) event, meaning it can handle significant rainfall without water flowing over the engineered spillway. Water is then released to the local waterway over a 24 – 48-hour period.

Equally beneficial, Bio-retention Basin 7 is effective in retaining high rates of suspended solids, phosphorous, nitrogen, and other pollutants to maintain high water quality before being discharged into the local waterway.

B & K Revegetation & Landscaping delivered a complex planting strategy well-suited to the local environment, using native vegetation species resilient to varying water conditions, and the ability to support pollutant reduction.

The basin allows for controlled release of water, mimicking natural flow patterns to support both flood management and ecological health.