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CRC PUBLICATIONS |
Water Sensitive Urban Design in the Australian Context - Conference Synthesis
Sara Lloyd
Publication Type:
Technical Report
This is a publication of the current CRC for Catchment Hydrology
CRC Program:
Urban Stormwater Quality
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Publication Keywords:
Urban Areas
Water Management
Wastewater Management
Stormwater Management
Planning
Design Data
Development Areas
Best Practice
Water Pollution Control
Regulation
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Abstract / Summary:
A cultural change is occurring in urban stormwater management. Environmental aspects are becoming a major focus, with potentially profound effects on our traditional approach to drainage. There are now parallels with the state of stormwater management in Melbourne during the 1920
s and 30
s. At that time there were few, if any, standards for fl ood management and drainage. Environmental data, such as rainfall and run-off, to support good planning and design were unavailable. There were limited resources for implementing a backlog of works to relieve already signifi cant problems in existing urban suburbs and disagreement about who should pay for works and how funds should be raised. What emerged was a recognition that good planning was as important as good engineering in avoiding future problems.
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is something of a catch-all term for environmentally sustainable water resource management in urban areas. In Melbourne, WSUD is gaining prominence as we recognise the need for a new approach to managing urban stormwater to minimise the impact of urban development on our waterways and bays. More recently the broader aspects of WSUD dealing with water conservation have also begun to gain more attention and interest.
In adopting a water sensitive approach to urban development, we are confronted by a number of problems including, a lack of clear and agreed standards for the environmental management of urban stormwater, a lack of environmental data and performance data on WSUD measures to support planning and design and so on. It took years to resolve and move on from these issues in the 1920
s and 30
s, and it will take some time to make progress today.
Melbourne Water initiated the Water Sensitive Urban Design in the Australian Context conference in August 2000 to help strengthen the network of developers, local authorities and researchers interested in WSUD. What emerged was a sense of excitement about confronting these issues and a willingness to challenge convention. A strong partnership has been established in many parts of Australia between local authorities, developers and research institutions resulting in innovative urban developments incorporating signifi cant water sensitive elements. From these projects we are learning a great deal and building confi dence in WSUD as a practical approach to urban water management.
This synthesis of the conference outcomes will help us to focus on the major obstacles to progress and to more confi dently manage the transition to more sustainable urban water management.
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Centre Office:
CRC for Catchment Hydrology
Dept of Civil Engineering
Building 60
Monash University Vic 3800
Tel: +61 3 9905 2704
Fax: +61 3 9905 5033
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