Sunbury Whole of Water Cycle Management Strategy
Western Water, Melbourne Water, Hume City Council, Office of Living Victoria, Metropolitan Planning Authority
Sunbury will experience extensive growth over the next 20 years, with an additional 28,100 homes expected, doubling the current population. Development amidst three high value creeks and in a water-stressed area means that integrated water management outcomes are essential to the future of the town. Options examined included the use of recycled water for dual pipe and local agriculture, harvesting of stormwater to supplement potable supply, lot-scale rainwater harvesting and evapotranspiration fields.
As one of the first projects to take a partnership approach that brought together water companies and planning authorities, a dual assessment framework was developed that combined detailed cost-benefit analysis with quantitative and qualitative indicators of success. The project will set a new precedent for integrated water management in growth areas, influencing policy and practice.
Water Sensitive City Outcomes:
- integrated water management
- partnership approach
- holistic cost-benefit appraisal
