ABOUT US
Our Journey, Our Mission, Our Promise
History
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Our People
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ISO Certified
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Corporate Social Responsibility & Global Citizen
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The National Standard in Stormwater Management
- Stormwater infrastructure is a critical—and often high-risk—asset. Managed correctly, it protects property, prevents flooding, and safeguards the environment. When it fails, the consequences are significant.
- Stormwater Services Australia (SWSA) provides the specialist engineering, compliance, and asset management expertise these complex systems demand. We operate nationally, focusing exclusively on high-stakes solutions for B2B, government, and industrial sectors.
- We are engineers, strategists, and asset managers. Our group unites industry-leading technical capability to deliver a single, accountable partner for the entire stormwater lifecycle.
- From shaping state government policy and providing expert testimony to constructing civil-scale OSD systems and managing national maintenance portfolios, SWSA is the partner of choice for Australia’s leading organisations. Discover our technical insights in the Knowledge Centre.
Our Mission
To protect our clients’ assets, ensure their compliance, and reduce their risk through expert, data-driven stormwater management across Australia.
SAFETY, QUALITY, & COMPLIANCE
Risk Assured.
Fully Certified.
We operate in high-risk environments where safety and compliance are non-negotiable. Our national WHS Management System is certified to ISO 45001 (Safety), ISO 9001 (Quality), and ISO 14001 (Environment). Our teams possess all required certifications, including Confined Space Entry, ensuring every project meets the highest standards.
The Planet
Environmental Sustainability
As a stormwater company, our core business is environmental protection, but we go further to ensure our operations are sustainable.
SO 14001 (Environmental Management)
We align our operations with ISO 14001 standards, ensuring a systematic approach to environmental management. This certifies that we do not just follow regulations, but actively work to minimise our environmental footprint.
Net Zero Commitment
SSA is committed to a “Measure, Reduce, Offset” strategy. We are actively quantifying our carbon emissions with the goal of achieving Net Zero status. We prioritise reducing travel and waste first, then offsetting unavoidable emissions through certified carbon credits.
Nature-Positive Solutions
Through our partnership with matter.city and our design consultancy, we use IoT data to reduce unnecessary vehicle movements (maintenance only when needed), directly lowering scope 3 emissions.
THE PEOPLE
Social Responsibility & Industry Leadership
We invest heavily in the future of the water sector and the wider community.
Advocacy via Stormwater 2030
SSA founded and fully funds Stormwater 2030, a dedicated advocacy vehicle aimed at securing government investment and policy reform for the sector.
Major Industry Sponsorships
We support the events that bring our industry together:
- Stormwater NSW: Website Sponsor 2025 – Provide a rebuild of the digital platforms as part of transition of secretariat services.
- Franc.Sydney: Platinum Sponsor (2023, 2024, 2025) – Supporting the peak event for urban water professionals.
- IPWEA 2026: Tradeshow participant for the NSW Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia 2026 Conference.
Charitable Giving
We provide financial support to organisations that align with our values:
- The Coalition for Conservation
- The Caroline Rose Foundation
- Stormwater 2030 (Pro-bono support and funding)
THE CULTURE
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
We are proud to field a team that represents the modern world. In an industry often criticised for a lack of diversity, SSA is a leader in inclusion.
Gender Balance
The construction and engineering sector averages less than 15% female participation. SSA shatters this norm with a 40% female workforce in our core team, placing women in key decision-making roles.
Cultural Diversity
Our team brings together perspectives from across the globe, with staff heritage including: Australian, New Zealander, Colombian, German, Irish and Nepalese.
Religious & Spiritual Diversity
SSA is a truly multi-faith workplace where respect for individual belief is paramount. Our team is a microcosm of the community we serve, proudly including Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Atheists. We view this spectrum of belief—from deep faith to secularism—as a strength. It proves that a team with vastly different worldviews can work together seamlessly, united by a shared commitment to environmental excellence and professional respect.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion
We foster a psychologically safe environment where staff are respected regardless of sexual orientation. We are proud to have an open and inclusive culture represented by both straight and gay team members.
2017
The Foundation
Our journey began in February 2017 with the establishment of OSD Australia and the subsequent launch of the Stormwater Sydney brand.
Founded by Managing Director David Nixon and Director Paul Milic, the company was created to address a critical gap in the market: the “maintenance disconnect” between complex engineering designs and their real-world operation. While the industry focused on construction, we focused on “whole-of-life” compliance, specifically targeting On-Site Detention (OSD) systems and private infrastructure in the Sydney basin.
2021
The National Expansion
Recognising that stormwater challenges vary significantly by region—from the bio-filtration needs of Victoria to the tropical flood risks of Queensland—we executed a major national expansion.
On 1 July 2021, we simultaneously registered and launched our dedicated state and city-based trading entities: Stormwater Melbourne, Stormwater Brisbane, Stormwater Newcastle, Stormwater Canberra, Stormwater Adelaide, Stormwater Darwin, Stormwater Central Coast, and Stormwater Wollongong. This strategic move transitioned the business from a local contractor to a national service provider with hyper-local expertise.
2023
Unifying the Group
To support our growing network of local brands, Stormwater Services Australia Pty Ltd (SSA) was formally established as the group’s parent entity in November 2023.
This consolidation allowed us to centralise our engineering excellence, safety systems, and “Smart Stormwater” technologies while maintaining the local relationships that are vital to our clients.
2024
Advocacy and Industry Leadership
Moving beyond service delivery, SSA stepped up as a voice for industry reform. In 2024, we founded and funded Stormwater 2030, a dedicated advocacy vehicle aimed at securing government investment for the sector.
We also cemented our commitment to the industry’s future by securing the Platinum Sponsorship for Franc.Sydney, the peak event for urban water professionals, committing to a multi-year partnership spanning 2024, 2025, and 2026.
2025
A New Era of Consulting & Design
In January 2025, we formalized our vertical integration with the appointment of Ben Wolfgramm as Director of Consulting & Design.
This marked our evolution into a full-service consultancy capable of delivering nature-positive solutions and Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM). Simultaneously, our leadership in regulatory reform was recognized with David Nixon’s appointment as Chair of the NSW SQID (Stormwater Quality Improvement Device) Taskforce, placing SSA at the forefront of setting new maintenance and approval standards for the state.
Crucially, 2025 also saw SSA revolutionise asset management through a strategic partnership with matter.city. By deploying Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring across private and council-owned systems, we shifted the industry standard from rigid, periodic inspections to continuous, real-time oversight. This data-driven approach allows us to reduce client costs significantly by undertaking maintenance only when strictly needed, bridging the gap between physical infrastructure and digital intelligence.
OUR PEOPLE
Our Experts, Your Partners
Experience & Qualifications:
We 35+ Years Industry Experience
Extensive background in water utilities, environmental engineering, and infrastructure management across Australia.
Strategic Leadership
Founder of Stormwater Services Australia.. Former executive roles include State General Manager at KBR and Chief Operating Officer at MidCoast Water, with key strategic portfolios for Seqwater and Brisbane City Council.
Board & Governance
Experienced Non-Executive Director and Chair of Audit & Risk Committees. Currently serves as Chairman of Stormwater 2030 , Director of the Coalition for Conservation, and holds board positions with various other charities.
Bio:
David Nixon is the driving force behind Stormwater Services Australia, recognised for his unique ability to bridge the gap between technical infrastructure and high-level business strategy. With a career spanning nearly four decades, David has navigated complex engineering landscapes, from managing Brisbane’s entire water cycle during the Millennium Drought to delivering multi-billion-dollar infrastructure alliances.
Beyond his commercial success, David is a dedicated industry advocate. As the Founder and Chairman of Stormwater 2030 and a Director of the Coalition for Conservation, he actively shapes policy regarding climate resilience and environmental stewardship. His expertise in corporate governance and strategic planning allows him to guide both government bodies and private enterprises, ensuring that critical water assets are not only compliant but commercially sustainable and future-proof.
Experience & Qualifications:
25+ Years in Urban Water
Specialist in Civil and Environmental Engineering design.
Nature-Positive Design
Expert in Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and integrated water cycle management.
Key Achievement
Authored world-first guidelines for the planning and procurement of stormwater quality improvement technologies targeting marine debris.
Previous Roles
Held leadership positions at Optimal Stormwater, Balmoral Group Australia, and Australian Wetlands Consulting.
Bio:
Ben Wolfgramm leads the consulting and design arm of the business, bringing a passion for sustainable, nature-positive engineering.Appointed in 2025, Ben is tasked with driving the technical growth of the agency.He is renowned for his ability to integrate complex civil engineering with environmental stewardship, ensuring that development projects not only meet regulatory compliance but actively improve urban waterways. Ben’s focus is on delivering practical, innovative design solutions for councils, developers, and industrial clients.
Experience & Qualifications:
35+ Years in Construction
Deep expertise in multi-dwelling residential and commercial construction.
Project Delivery
Specialist in the physical construction, repair, and maintenance of stormwater assets.
Leadership
Director of VIP Builders since 1997, known for integrity and high-quality project management.
Bio:
Paul Milic is the operational force behind the physical delivery of projects at Stormwater Services Australia. With a background rooted in master building and construction management, Paul bridges the gap between engineering theory and on-site reality. He oversees the construction, inspection, and maintenance teams, ensuring that every stormwater asset—from filtration systems to major civil works—is built to last and functions efficiently. His hands-on approach and decades of site experience provide clients with the assurance that their infrastructure is in safe hands.
Experience & Qualifications:
Strategic Marketing & Governance
MBA qualified with a background in finance, product innovation, and digital strategy.
Advocacy
Executive Director of Stormwater2030, championing the shift toward smarter, resilient infrastructure in NSW.
Advisory
Marketing Director at NixonClarity; experience with Lloyds Banking Group and various start-ups.
Bio:
Colan Chin is a business strategist and environmental advocate who operates at the intersection of public value and business performance. As a key leader within the group, Colan drives the strategic direction of Stormwater2030, advocating for policy reform and better valuation of stormwater assets. His background in finance and digital innovation allows him to translate complex engineering needs into clear, compelling strategies for stakeholders, ensuring that water management is prioritized as a critical community resource.
Experience & Qualifications:
Business Administration
Extensive experience in financial management and corporate governance support.
Stakeholder Management
Expertise in event management and client relations.
Leadership Support
Plays a pivotal role in the financial and administrative backbone of the consultancy group.
Bio:
Donna Nixon serves as a cornerstone of the organisation’s operational framework. deeply involved in the financial and business support functions that allow the technical teams to thrive. With a focus on organisational capability and client service excellence, Donna ensures that the internal systems of the Stormwater Services group run seamlessly. Her work supports the broader strategic goals of the company, fostering a culture of efficiency and reliability.
Experience & Qualifications:
Operational Management
Extensive background in office administration, human resources, and financial reporting.
Quality Assurance
Acts as the Quality Manager for the organisation’s ISO Integrated Management System (IMS).
Process Improvement
Proven track record in implementing standardised operational procedures and streamlining business processes.
Leadership
Experienced in leading high-performing teams and managing complex business functions.
Bio:
Regan Cotter serves as the Administration Manager, ensuring the company operates with efficiency and precision. Bringing a versatile skill set that spans human resources, financial reporting, and team leadership, Regan provides the solid operational foundation required for the technical teams to thrive. Far from being desk-bound, Regan actively gets into the field to understand the practical realities of the job. This hands-on approach allows him to improve the quality of information provided to clients and ensures that quotations are accurate and reflective of on-site conditions. As the Quality Manager for the ISO Integrated Management System (IMS), Regan is dedicated to maintaining high standards of compliance and continuous improvement across the business.
Experience & Qualifications:
Civil Engineering
Qualified Engineer with a strong focus on hydraulic design and stormwater infrastructure.
Technical Expertise
Proficient in stormwater modelling (MUSIC, DRAINS) and the detailed design of On-Site Detention (OSD) systems and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) assets.
Project Execution
Experienced in translating high-level engineering concepts into practical, construction-ready plans that comply with strict Council and Australian Standards.
Bio:
Bin Thapa Magar is a core technical asset to the engineering team, bringing a rigorous approach to stormwater design and hydraulic analysis. Bin specialises in the detailed technical work that underpins successful projects, ensuring that every drainage system—from residential OSDs to complex commercial networks—is calculated for maximum efficiency and compliance. His role is critical in bridging the gap between conceptual planning and physical construction, providing the team with the precise data and design specifications needed to get projects approved and built without delay.
Experience & Qualifications:
Engineering & Hydrosystems Expert
Qualified Civil Engineer with a Master’s degree in Hydrosystems.
Technical Specialisation
Specialist in GIS, hydrological modeling, hydraulics, and environmental analysis, utilising tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, and Python.
Project Delivery
Experienced in managing construction projects, conducting site inspections, and ensuring compliance with design specifications and safety regulations.
Digital Engineering
Proficient in BIM modelling (AutoCAD, Revit) and creating 3D models for complex water treatment infrastructure.
Bio:
Daniela Morales serves as a Civil and Environmental Engineer, bringing a sophisticated technical skillset to the team that blends civil infrastructure with environmental science. With a Master’s degree in Hydrosystems, Daniela specialises in using data analysis and coding to develop innovative engineering solutions. Her background includes detailed BIM modelling for water treatment plants and the use of satellite imagery for wetland delimitation and environmental monitoring. Beyond her digital expertise, Daniela provides critical on-ground support, having managed construction projects and site inspections to ensure rigorous quality standards and design compliance.
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Stay informed with our latest articles on Australian stormwater regulations, technical best practices, and industry trends. Access guides, checklists, and key organisational information in our Knowledge Centre.
