Table 7 Sustainable waterway management actions

Action Timing

Quick wins:

Review the Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) requirements and undertake lifecycle costing of WSUD assets to understand the future cost implications and consider a deemed to comply solution which has a focus on multi-functional assets which are cost effective for Council to maintain.

1. For all new development areas including urban release areas and rural residential areas, review the sensitivity of the downstream receiving waters to urban development, particularly where a development drains to a low sensitivity receiving water

2. Develop low maintenance, deemed to comply, WSUD solutions, including updating the DCPs, with a focus on rainwater tanks and passive irrigation of street trees to meet water quality targets for new development in small developments, rural residential, infill developments, and for new development draining to low sensitivity receiving waters

3. Review existing WSUD assets and project future WSUD assets, including riparian lands and waterways. Develop a projection of maintenance costs for WSUD green infrastructure for the next 20 years for existing and future WSUD and riparian and waterway assets.

4. Develop an asset register and audit of WSUD assets and develop a process for new development assets to be captured in the register

5. Develop guidelines for the appropriate provision of multi-functional WSUD green infrastructure including appropriate maintenance access

6. Run capacity building workshops for operation and maintenance of WSUD assets for Council maintenance staff responsible for maintaining WSUD assets

Sustainable Waterways Opportunity

There is a significant opportunity to provide for multi-purpose WSUD green infrastructure assets. Providing passive recreation opportunities including walk paths, seats, tree planting and simple nature play elements can add significant community value to green infrastructure assets. Figure 18 shows a WSUD basin which is located at the back of the development with limited access by the public and minimal opportunities for the community to engage with and benefit from the green infrastructure asset.