What is WSUD?
Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) promotes the sustainable use and re-use of water in urban areas and buildings.
WSUD aims to ensure developments are designed, constructed and maintained to minimize negative impacts on the water cycle. WSUD techniques and elements can be applied to all sizes of development and aims to manage the quality and quantity of stormwater to better protect the local environment and waterways.
WSUD Guideline
The impact of urbanisation on the water cycle and natural environment occurs as there is typically a large increase in impervious surfaces (eg roads, driveways, roofs). Stormwater which previously infiltrated the ground (vegetated areas) now collects and travels along the path of least resistance (traditional stormwater pipes and gutters) to a point of discharge (natural waterways). This increases flow rates and velocities pollutant levels and the frequency of run off events (as small rain events create more runoff which carries pollutants).
In order to protect and improve the quality of our waterways, Council has adopted WSUD to help manage these frequent, high polluting rainfall events that occur in our ever developing urban area.
Who does the guideline apply to?
WSUD generally applies to the developments;
- Subdivisions
- Residential (over a certain size)
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Tourist
- Public Buildings
- Car parks
Refer to further details in the guideline.
Where can I get information on the guideline?
We advise that anyone lodging a development application to which WSUD applies read the guideline.
