Planning for Waterway Health in the Northern and Western Growth Corridors
Melbourne Water
Recognising the extensive plans for new growth in the northern and western areas of Melbourne, Melbourne Water sought to identify the health and vulnerability of local waterways to inform design requirements for growth area developments from a catchment perspective.
Our approach sought to gather and establish accurate waterway health information through a detailed review of existing data sets combined with extensive site visits and local ground-truthing. Analysis of existing waterway conditions allowed us to appreciate the scale of impact that development is likely to have and to recommend performance targets for adjacent development areas that will maintain waterway values and enable ongoing improvement to amenity, liveability, ecosystem health and water quality.
The analysis was complemented through a series of design case studies in priority areas. The case studies allowed us to validate suggested targets through site-specific testing of development solutions. The case studies involved modelling existing residential catchments, conservation areas and land proposed for urban development using calibrated models with soil parameters tailored to each catchment. The infrastructure required was assessed in terms of the benefits and costs of different infrastructure portfolios to inform Melbourne Water of the delivery implications of possible development performance targets to support clear design decisions.
Water Sensitive City Outcomes:
- catchment planning
- comprehensive policy and planning
- waterway corridors providing multiple benefits
