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MAROONDAH CITY COUNCIL
Water Sensitive City Strategy
Transition Toolkit
Final Report / April 2015
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CONTENTS
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Glossary .......................................................................................................................
1.
What is the Transition Toolkit? ............................................................................. 2
1.1 Introduction
2
1.2 Toolkit Purpose
3
2.
Recommendations ............................................................................................... 7
2.1 Development of a capital works and maintenance plan
8
2.2 Role of the Water Sensitive City Group
8
2.3 Evaluation and Review
8
3.
What are the key characteristics of the Maroondah area with regard to water? .. 10
3.1 Overview of Maroondah in 2015
10
3.2 Maroondah’s water management journey so far
13
3.3 Maroondah’s current water balance
16
3.4 Future challenges and opportunities
26
3.5 Summary of Maroondah’s Water Cycle Management
28
4.
How will we measure our success? .................................................................... 29
4.1 Developing a vision and key outcomes
29
4.2 Using targets to measure progress
32
5.
Actions Council will pursue to create a water sensitive culture. .......................... 37
5.1 Priority Actions
39
5.2 High Priority, Short Term Actions (1-2 Years)
40
5.3 Medium Priority, Short Term Actions (1-2 Years)
41
5.4 Low Priority, Short Term Actions (1-2 Years)
41
5.5 High Priority, Ongoing Actions (1-2 Years)
43
5.6 High Priority, Mid-Term Actions (3-5 Years)
44
5.7 Medium Priority, Mid-Term Actions (3-5 Years)
44
5.8 Medium Priority, Ongoing Actions (3-5 Years)
45
5.9 Low Priority, Medium Term Actions (3-5 Years)
46
5.10 Low Priority, Long Term Actions (6-10 Years)
46
6.
Physical opportunities to support a water sensitive Maroondah.......................... 47
6.1 What and where are the opportunities in Maroondah?
47
6.2 Which opportunities will be the most beneficial and the most cost-effective?
53
6.3 Results of performance scenario modelling
54
List of Attachments
Attachment A – Planning review and recommendations
Attachment B – Maroondah’s current context 2015
Attachment C – Modelling assumptions
Attachment D – Asset database
Attachment E – Consultation outcomes
Attachment F – Performance scenario assumptions
List of Figures
1. Water Sensitive Strategy Document Summary ....................................................................2
2. Connections required to deliver water sensitive city outcomes ............................................3
3. Methodology undertaken to develop the strategy .................................................................5
4. Relationship between Councils water sensitive city related strategies and plans ................6
5. Catchment area breakdown ................................................................................................11
6. Transition stages in the journey towards a water sensitive city ..........................................14
7. Maroondah’s Water Sensitive Journey ...............................................................................15
8. Maroondah’s current water balance ...................................................................................17
9. Comparison of water use and alternative water supplies ...................................................19
10. Maroondah City Council’s current water use (2013/2014) .................................................21
11. Council’s 2013/2014 water use breakdown (ML/year) for mains water use .......................22
12. Council’s 2011/2012 water use breakdown (ML/year) for mains water use .......................22
13. Council’s 2013/2014 water use breakdown for non-potable water .....................................23
14. Treatment performance of systems across Maroondah .....................................................25
15. Possible locations for key opportunities ..............................................................................48
List of Tables
1. Correlation between the four key outcomes and Maroondah 2040 vision .........................30
2. Water Sensitive Strategy Targets .......................................................................................33
3. Opportunities identified for further investigation .................................................................49
4. Performance scenario descriptions ....................................................................................54
5. Summary unit treatment rates for water sensitive urban design (WSUD) measures .........56
6. Summary of performance scenarios ...................................................................................57
7. Summary of the effectiveness of each performance scenario ............................................59
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Glossary
-----------------------------------------------------------Alternative water source: Water that isn’t sourced from the mains water supply
system, this includes rainwater, stormwater, creek/river water and recycled water.
Blackwater: water discharged from toilets and kitchen sinks.
Greywater: Water from household baths, showers, hand basins and washing
machines (this doesn’t include water from the toilet).
Gross pollutant trap: Structures that use physical processes to trap solid waste such
as litter and coarse sediment. They are commonly used as the primary treatment
because they mostly remove non-biodegradable large pollutants.
Integrated water cycle management (IWCM): A whole-of-water-cycle approach to
the sustainable management of all water sources that optimises the opportunities and
manages the risks and costs of providing water services by considering all aspects of
the water cycle at multiple scales.
Kilolitre (kL): One thousand litres.
Lakes, Ponds, Dams: Natural or man-made structures used to store water while also
providing some treatment function (e.g. sedimentation) and potential some habitat
value.
Megalitre (ML): One million litres.
Non-potable water: Water that is not fit for drinking purposes but may be fit for other
end uses (e.g. garden watering, toilet flushing etc.).
On-site detention: The collection and temporary storage of stormwater within a site
boundary. Once collected, stormwater is slowly released into the areas drainage
system or infiltrated into the earth
Potable water: Water that is fit for drinking purposes.
Raingarden: A system of vegetation and layered filter media that captures, retains
and treats stormwater before slowly releasing it to receiving waterways.
Recycled water: Wastewater that has been treated to a level that makes it fit for
reuse (the reuse that is suitable will depend on the level of treatment).
Stormwater: Surface water runoff that occurs as a result of rainfall from all surfaces
within a catchment (e.g. roofs, driveways, roads, footpaths and vegetated areas).
Stormwater Treatment Wetland: A vegetated waterbody that are specifically
designed for stormwater treatment (i.e. reduce inflow velocities, settle sediments and
remove pollutants).
Surface types:

Impervious – Hard surfaces that do not allow water to infiltrate such as paving
and car parks.

Directly connected impervious – An impervious area that drains stormwater
directly into the drainage system.

Road – Roadways (both Council and VicRoads).

Roof – Building roofs.

Pervious – Soil and vegetated areas that allow water to infiltrate.
Tree pit: An infiltration trench (i.e. a pit with filter media that allows for a fast rate of
drainage) that collects stormwater. This trench is located adjacent to a tree and shares
the same surface level as that tree in order to facilitate passive irrigation.
Total nitrogen (TN): The sum of the nitrogen present in all nitrogen-containing
components in stormwater runoff. A common water quality indicator.
Total phosphorus (TP): The sum of the phosphorus present in all phosphoruscontaining components in stormwater runoff. A common water quality indicator.
Total suspended solids (TSS): A measure of the mass of fine inorganic particles
suspended in stormwater runoff. A common water quality indicator.
Wastewater: Is any water that is intentionally discharged via the sewer. Includes
greywater and blackwater.
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD): A holistic approach to water management
that integrates urban design and planning with social and physical sciences in order to
deliver water services and protect aquatic environments in an urban setting.
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1. What is the Transition Toolkit?
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1.1 Introduction
E2Designlab were commissioned to assist Council in the development of their Water
Sensitive City Strategy. The Strategy consists of two documents; a ‘Vision and
Outcomes’ document, which is a summary of the vision for a Water Sensitive
Maroondah, and this Toolkit, which is a suite of documents designed to provide key
information for Maroondah Council to progress opportunities to support the vision.
The toolkit is supported by a series of attachments which contain contextual
information and key findings and detailed analysis. Figure 1 provides a summary of
the documents included in the strategy and how they can be used by Council.
Figure 1
Water Sensitive Strategy Document Summary
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1.2 Toolkit Purpose
This toolkit is intended to provide a suite of documents and an implementation plan
which Council can utilise to guide and inform its proactive transition towards a Water
Sensitive City. The toolkit is intended to assist all Council departments and other
relevant external stakeholders in improving their day to day activities and developing
focussed initiatives to inspire and deliver a better City of Maroondah. It scopes both
structural and non-structural opportunities for Maroondah to use the urban water cycle
to protect and enhance natural environments as well as deliver better green
infrastructure, amenity, community engagement, enhanced well-being and economic
resilience. The opportunities identified aim to ensure that Council has the right
combination of on-ground integrated water cycle solutions and the supporting tools
and processes to enable these outcomes, all with the aim of delivering the future
visions and aspirations for Maroondah (Figure 2).
Figure 2
Connections between vision, supporting tools and on-ground integrated management of water
systems required to deliver water sensitive city outcomes
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This document focuses on the role of Maroondah City Council in enabling a Water
Sensitive City, but also recognises that water management across Maroondah will
require the input from multiple stakeholders. The key roles and responsibilities of
stakeholders in creating a water sensitive city include:
 Council has an important role in the development of planning and development
standards which can encourage incorporation of water sensitive city outcomes in
private development. They can also influence the incorporation of these
outcomes in their own projects and how they manage open space and other
Council assets. Council also has direct involvement in stormwater management
across the municipality including flooding and stormwater quality management.
 Water corporations are responsible for reticulated water and sewer supply, water
treatment and waste water treatment.
 Melbourne Water is the key manager of waterways and large stormwater
management assets across Melbourne.
 Local communities and businesses will directly influence the management of water
through behavioural choices and activities. Many parts of our everyday life
influence water, including management of water use in homes and businesses,
building design, garden management, and care of our public spaces.
 A number of government authorities also have responsibilities for the support of the
environment, economic development and planning which influence the
management of water.
Given the number of different groups required to deliver Water Sensitive City
outcomes, a collaborative process has been undertaken to ensure that these key
project stakeholders have been involved throughout the development of this strategy
(Figure 3). This ensures that strategy assumptions and outcomes have been
developed with continuous input from all of the stakeholders and sets up a strong
basis to continue the important collaboration into the future.
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Stage 1 – Diagnosis
Desktop assessment:
Working draft + workshop 1:
- Draft vision and initial
opportunities
- Broader policy context
- Existing tools and measures supporting
IWM
- Water balance development
Stage 2 – Guiding Policy
Working draft + workshop 2:
Opportunities development:
- IWC opportunities and
actions to address gaps
- Planning scheme review
- One-on-one interviews
- SWOT analysis
Stage 3 – Coherent Actions
Strategy Report and
Implementation Plan
Implementation plan and final strategy:
- Recommendations / actions
Figure 3
Methodology undertaken to develop the strategy
The Strategy builds on and compliments Councils existing plans and strategies, many
of which already include key objectives and actions which deliver Water Sensitive City
Outcomes. Figure 4 presents how the Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy can
be positioned and connected to these existing plans and strategies.
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Figure 4
Relationship between Councils water sensitive city related strategies and plans
The strategy is also supported by a broader planning and policy framework within
wider Melbourne and the State of Victoria, as detailed in Attachment A. It is also
expected that a sub-regional whole of water cycle plan for Eastern Melbourne will be
produced in the coming years to outline regional priorities and opportunities. This
strategy will support and compliment that plan with local opportunities.
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2. Recommendations
-----------------------------------------------------------The following recommendations are made by E2 DesignLab, the consultants who
prepared this Strategy on behalf of Council. A combined approach focusing on Council
assets, new development and existing homes and businesses is recommended as the
best way to drive water sensitive city outcomes.
 Invest in rainwater or stormwater harvesting for irrigation of sporting grounds, open
space and trees. This is essential to achieve several key targets. The business
case for stormwater harvesting is highly dependent on the site characteristics. Site
specific studies should be undertaken to determine priority sites based on the
initial opportunities identified in this strategy.
 Introduce passive irrigation and raingardens in roads to target the major pollution
source in Maroondah (roads) and to achieve the pollution reduction target. Council
should continue the important work that has begun in this area, sharing lessons
from pilot projects to integrate these measures as a matter of general practice in
new roads and renewals.
 Introduce a new local policy which requires best practice stormwater management
measures in a wider range of new development applications (including infill
development). This is essential in making significant progress towards the
pollution reduction target.
 Support residents and businesses to deliver lot scale rainwater harvesting and
WSUD. This is important in reducing potable demand for residential and
commercial users, but also in reaching the pollution target.
 Deliver stormwater treatment in flood mitigation projects which are currently being
developed by Council. Consider the use of wetlands in the base of retarding
basins and alternative water supplies (e.g. dual stormwater harvesting and
retarding schemes) in proposed flood mitigation projects.
 Undertake non-structural actions as these essential to the successful delivery of all
targets. Targets 5, 6 and 7 are solely dependent on non-structural actions taken
by Council.
 Investigate opportunities for rainwater harvesting to supplement pool use and
backwash water at both aquatic centres. The opening of Aquanation is likely to
substantially increase council’s annual demand. Accordingly significant initiatives
are needed to lower Council’s future potable water use and the substitution of
potable water use through alternative supplies should be a focus. Use the
example set by City of Casey’s aquatic centre.
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2.1 Development of a capital works and maintenance plan
This toolkit provides background information to allow the Water Sensitive Maroondah
Working Group to develop annual recommendations for capital works and
maintenance budgets. The performance scenarios outline possible physical projects
that could be undertaken directly by Council, and some which could be supported by
Council in other ways (e.g. policy changes, community education and promotion).
Funding and grant availability will influence the scale and type of projects undertaken
and annual budgets should be tailored accordingly. However, the provision of largescale alternative water supplies for open space irrigation and of flood mitigation
projects are key priorities for the municipality. They will help deliver a number of
targets, and will require significant capital works which may need budgeting over
several years. There may be potential for stormwater harvesting for open space
irrigation and flood storage to be combined on some sites, and these should be
investigated as a priority to determine site-specific feasibility and costs.
2.2 Role of the Water Sensitive City Group
This strategy will be managed and monitored by the Water Sensitive City Group,
which brings together representatives from key council departments. The group
should meet regularly on an ongoing basis, with the immediate priorities being:
 Communication and distribution of the strategy to key parties
 Review and prioritisation of key structural and non-structural actions in this toolkit
 Review of the existing capital works budget and input to future budgets
 Development of indicator baseline data which are due to be established in 2016.
2.3 Evaluation and Review
To measure progress towards achieving the key outcomes outlined in this Strategy, a
number of outcome-based indicators have been selected. Over time, these indicators
will be used to identify how successful the initiatives of Council, businesses, residents,
State Government, authorities and other partners have been in working towards the
preferred outcomes and key directions outlined in this Strategy.
These indicators are not intended to form a definitive list, rather they will be helpful in
revealing progress over time. The indicators should be reported against at least once
every Council term (4 years). This will allow Council and its partners to monitor trends,
celebrate achievements, recognise efforts and identify areas for further improvement.
The results of monitoring and reporting on these indicators will help to evaluate the
success of the Strategy. These evaluations will assist with reviewing the Strategy in
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2020 and 2025 at which time the water needs and aspirations for the City of
Maroondah will be re-assessed for appropriate action.
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3. What are the key characteristics of
the Maroondah area with regard to
water?
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3.1 Overview of Maroondah in 2015
The following sections provide a high level summary of the current setting in
Maroondah and draw out key influencing factors for water management. Attachment B
provides a detailed analysis of the current physical, policy and social context in
Maroondah and section 2.3 provides a detailed water balance.
3.1.1 Local character
As a municipality on the edge of the Melbourne urban area, Maroondah enjoys a
balance of urban and rural living. Predominantly a residential area, a lot of Maroondah
consists of relatively generously sized lots, with well vegetated streets and good open
space amenities. Large commercial and light industrial areas also enjoy large sites,
and major road corridors dominate some areas of the Municipality, creating a different
urban character. The Maroondah 2040 community vision sets out a range of desirable
outcomes to support green neighbourhoods where residents can enjoy a high quality
lifestyle, supported by thriving activity centres and excellent community facilities.
Water is already central to Maroondah’s identity. Waterways and the lush green
environment provide a much appreciated amenity to local residents.
3.1.2 Waterways
Mullum Mullum Creek and Dandenong Creek are the major waterways in the
Maroondah area, with established recreational routes that are well utilized. The
waterways within Maroondah also all drain to 2 of Melbourne Water’s main
catchments - Dandenong Creek and Yarra River which are enjoyed by a broader
community and therefore need to be carefully managed.
Many of Maroondah’s creeks and tributaries (notably Jumping Creek, Anderson’s
Creek, Bungalook Creek, Brushy Creek and the Taralla Creek) are classified as ‘Very
Poor’ in Melbourne Water’s classification of waterway health. This classification
reflects the poor water quality and ecological health of the creeks, caused by the
effects of urban stormwater runoff, illegal discharges, creek modifications and in some
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cases septic tank discharges. Large sections of the Maroondah waterways have been
converted to become underground drains or placed in engineered channels for flood
control purposes. Figure 5 shows the sub catchment areas for each Creek in
Maroondah.
Figure 5
Catchment area breakdown
3.1.3 Green space
The creek corridors provide essential links for habitat connectivity, and the creation of
habitat corridors along with the enhancement of urban tree cover and open space
quality is a key focus for Maroondah. Open space areas in Maroondah also support
more than 700,000 trees in parks and reserves in combination with approximately
70,000 trees within local streets. During the drought, the irrigation of open spaces and
the support of local trees was a key issue, and Council worked hard to introduce
drought-resilient planting and water efficient irrigation measures. As Council now looks
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to protect and enhance its green assets, securing alternative water supplies will be a
focus for future resilience.
3.1.4 Water use
The demands for water in Maroondah are fairly typical of a predominantly residential
urban area. Both local communities and Council made significant reductions in water
demand in response to the Millennium Drought, though eases in water restrictions
have seen use rise again. A large proportion of mains water used is for non-potable
purposes, such as garden watering or toilet flushing. These types of uses could be
met instead by alternative water sources to reduce pressure on Melbourne’s water
supply.
3.1.5 Stormwater management
The urbanisation of the Maroondah area has resulted in a large increase in
stormwater runoff entering local waterways. This is due to the increase in
impermeable surfaces such as roofs, carparks, roads and paved areas which prevent
rainwater remaining close to where it falls and slowly seeping into the ground or
evaporating. Drainage systems which are necessary to protect urban infrastructure
drain stormwater (usually via an underground pipe network) and discharge it to local
creeks which in turn transfer stormwater to Port Phillip Bay. Stormwater carries a
range of pollutants from urban surfaces which affect the health of our creeks and
coastlines. Council manages the local drainage system. A range of water sensitive
urban design projects have been successfully delivered in Maroondah, such as
raingardens and swales, which filter pollutants and improve stormwater discharges,
however these currently only intercept a very small portion of the Maroondah urban
catchment. Efforts to harvest rainwater and stormwater as alternative water sources
(see below) have also helped to reduce local stormwater impacts.
3.1.6 Alternative water sources (rainwater, stormwater and wastewater)
Approximately 90% of mains water use ends up as wastewater and for the Maroondah
Council is predominately transported by the sewerage system for treatment at the
Eastern Treatment Plant.
A unique asset on the Maroondah municipality boundary is the Brushy Creek
Wastewater Treatment Plant in Croydon North which collects wastewater from
Croydon and other areas and is operated by Yarra Valley Water. An $11 million
upgrade is being completed by Yarra Valley Water at the Brushy Creek Wastewater
Treatment Plant. The upgrade includes the refurbishment of storage tanks, installation
of more efficient treatment technology, an upgrade to local sewerage pipes and new
recycled water pipelines. These improvements provide opportunities for recycled
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water to be used in new developments in the in the Croydon and Chirnside Park
areas. Pipeline construction is expected to be completed later 2015 with the remaining
Brushy Creek sewage treatment plant upgrade works to be completed over the next
two years 2016/17.
With this asset in close proximity, Maroondah has the opportunity to utilise an
alternative water source. Several open spaces are currently linked to a recycled water
network to source irrigation water. Council golf courses have also taken opportunities
to harvest stormwater from existing drains and waterways for irrigation supply,
contributing the majority of Maroondah’s alternative water use. A number of council
facilities have installed rainwater tanks, and notably Council’s depot operates an
extensive rainwater harvesting system to supply water for wash-down activities and for
tree irrigation via their mobile tankers.
3.1.7 Flood risk
Flood mitigation is a strong focus for Council with recent flood modelling revealing a
number of at risk properties across the municipality due to limited capacity in drainage
infrastructure and increasing imperviousness across the urban area. Works to provide
safe flow paths, adequate storage and effective drainage systems are necessary to
ensure the risk of flooding is reduced. The delivery of flood mitigation works could
provide an opportunity to also install water quality management initiatives for
stormwater or to capture runoff for local reuse.
3.1.8 Groundwater Aquifers
Similar to the rest of urban Melbourne, there is no extensive use of groundwater within
urban Melbourne. Ground water levels vary considerably and is slightly brackish in
nature. There are no technical barriers to groundwater use, however the necessary
permits must be obtained.
3.2 Maroondah’s water management journey so far
The journey of water management across Maroondah (and Melbourne as a whole)
has built from a historic focus on provision of essential services potable water,
drainage and sewerage systems to a more holistic approach which recognises the
interaction of the urban water cycle with waterway health and the importance of water
source diversity to provide resilience to climate extremes. Figure 6 below shows the
generally accepted transition stages on the journey towards a water sensitive city.
Figure 7 presents a summary of Maroondah’s water sensitive journey to-date
highlighting key contextual events along the timeline.
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Figure 6
Transition stages in the journey towards a water sensitive city 1
1
(Brown, RR, Keath, N and Wong, THF 2009, ‘Urban water management in cities: historical, current and
future regimes’ Water Science and Technology, 59(5), pp. 847-855)
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DRAFT
Figure 7
Maroondah’s Water Sensitive Journey
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3.3 Maroondah’s current water balance
3.3.1 Water balance summary profile
A water balance looks at the whole water cycle across an area to understand water
flows in and out, and the balance of supplies and demands. Maroondah is serviced by
a mains potable water supply drawn from the Melbourne system. The use of alterative
water sources such as rainwater, stormwater and recycled water is relatively modest
in the area currently. Maroondah’s position in the east of Melbourne means that it
enjoys a relatively high rainfall compared to other Melbourne municipalities, with
stormwater runoff draining to two major waterways, the Yarra River to the west and
Dandenong Creek to the south. The majority of wastewater from Maroondah is
transferred to the Eastern Treatment Plant, but a portion of the wastewater generated
drains to Brushy Creek treatment plant which is located on the Maroondah northeastern border. Brushy Creek provides a recycled water source for local use, which
some sporting grounds currently utilise. A substantial amount of stormwater is reused
locally, predominantly through capture and extraction for irrigation of local golf
courses. Attachment C details the water balance modelling undertaken. Figure 8
shows the water balance graphically.
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Figure 8
Maroondah’s current water balance
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3.3.2 Local alternative water sources
In terms of the availability of local water sources which could be used as alternatives
to mains water, the possible supply from recycled wastewater and stormwater
significantly outstrips demand for residential non-potable uses such as irrigation and
toilet flushing. Some council, commercial and industrial demands could also be met by
alternative water sources.
Figure 9 presents the annual volumes (ML/yr.) for water uses as well as the potential
alternative water sources generated. This highlights that the potential alternative
water demands significantly exceed all water demands in Maroondah. By embedding
water efficiency measures and by capturing and treating water sources locally for
reuse, Maroondah could significantly reduce demand on the Melbourne mains water
system.
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Figure 9
Comparison of water use (left bar) and local water discharged to waterways (right bar) across
the City of Maroondah which could be harvested as alternative water supplies (2014 data)
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3.3.3 Local water demands
The majority of water demand in Maroondah is for residential purposes. A substantial
portion of residential demand is for non-potable water which could be met by
alternative sources rather than drawing on the mains potable supply. A certain
proportion of residents are likely to have installed rainwater tanks to provide a nonpotable water source, but the usage rates and ongoing maintenance of tanks will vary
considerably amongst households. A major development in the Maroondah area (The
Range) sources non-potable recycled water from Brushy Creek plant which will have
significantly reduced the demand for potable water from this development. A number
of local businesses in Maroondah will also have demands for non-potable water (e.g.
toilet flushing, cooling systems, vehicle wash-down water), but this will vary
considerably between business types.
Council currently meets 45.4% of its demand through alternative water sources.
Figure 10 and
Figure 13 consider Council water use specifically, and show that a large proportion of
Council water demand is already met by alternative water sources, due almost entirely
to the stormwater extraction undertaken by the golf courses. There is still significant
potential to service open spaces with alternative water sources and to support
residential and commercial users in reducing potable demands. There is also
significant demand for swimming pool use, which is likely to increase significantly once
Aquanation comes online (see Figure 12 which shows composition of water use in
2012 when two aquatic centres were in operation). Attachment D provides a full
breakdown of current Council assets.
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Figure 10
Maroondah City Council’s current water use (2013/2014)
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Figure 11
Council’s 2013/2014 water use breakdown (ML/year) for mains water use
Figure 12
Council’s 2011/2012 water use breakdown (ML/year) for mains water use (proportions are likely
to match future use split once Aquanation is in operation)
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Figure 13
Council’s 2013/2014 water use breakdown for non-potable water sourced from alternative water
3.3.4 Stormwater Pollutants
A key aspect of the water balance is understanding the pollutant balance for the
Maroondah area. As stormwater runs off the catchments in Maroondah, it contributes
a large amount of sediments and nutrients to local Creeks, having an adverse effect
on water quality and ecosystem health. The types of pollutants will depend on the type
of land use. For example, the majority of sediments arise from roads, while runoff from
roofs contain relatively high quantities of nutrients. A pollutant breakdown in
Attachment C provides further detail.
Council has implemented some measures to treat stormwater prior to discharge to the
receiving waters. Figure 14 shows the predicted generation of pollutants in the
Maroondah catchments currently, and the pollutant removal achieved by vegetated
WSUD systems and by rainwater and stormwater harvesting delivered by Council.
The key modelled pollutants are Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Phosphorus
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(TP) and Total Nitrogen (TN) (these pollutant indicators are commonly used as
indicators of stormwater runoff pollution). The delivery of vegetated WSUD in
Maroondah is currently limited, so most pollutant removal has occurred through
harvesting of water for reuse. Currently, an 8% reduction in nitrogen has been
achieved through existing measures. The existing asset database is provided in
Attachment D.
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Figure 14
Treatment performance (removal of TSS (top), TP (middle) and TN (bottom)) of systems across
Maroondah (2014 data)
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3.4 Future challenges and opportunities
The local water cycle in Maroondah will change in the future. A number of factors
could improve or deteriorate water management outcomes. The key factors are
described below.
3.4.1 Urbanisation and development
Maroondah’s population will increase in the future, with an expected population of
135,000 by 2040, representing a 30% increase. Alongside population growth the
urban landscape will change, with development of land likely to increase
impermeability as plots are sub-divided to provide additional homes and business
areas. A higher impermeable surface area will result in a higher volumes of
stormwater runoff and the associated pollutants. Water demand and wastewater
generation will also increase with an increasing population. Attachment C provides
projected changes to the water balance.
The Maroondah planning scheme provides an opportunity to directly influence the
management of water in new development. Attachment A provides recommendations
for changes to the planning scheme to support water sensitive city outcomes.
3.4.2 Climate change
A changing climate will bring a range of challenges for water management in
Maroondah, including:
 More frequent heat waves – resulting in higher demands for water to support
communities, wildlife and vegetation. Maintaining the health of trees and green
spaces is also an important strategy for reducing urban heat and providing cool
refuges for people to avoid adverse health effects.
 More frequent heavy rainfall – resulting in a higher risk of flooding when the
drainage system is exceeded. The provision of safe flood paths is important to
ensure damage of property and assets is minimised.
 Drier climate – drought conditions and a general warming of the climate is likely to
mean that there will be a higher demand for water and less water availability in the
long-term.
In response to the challenges presented by climate change, a resilient Maroondah
needs a range of local water supplies to support communities, green spaces and trees
along with good urban design and drainage arrangements to lower flood risk. This
strategy complements Maroondah’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy to deliver
higher resilience.
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3.4.3 Culture
The technical solutions for better water management which will support the creation of
a Water Sensitive Maroondah are present and well researched. However, real change
needs to be driven by people. A water sensitive culture is one where council staff,
local communities and other water management stakeholders regard water as a
precious resource to be both respected and celebrated. Maroondah City Council
enjoys the benefits of in-house expertise and passion for water management which
needs to be nurtured to ensure that the best water management outcomes are an
expectation rather than an ‘optional extra’. The existing situation and opportunities for
culture change and operational practice are examined further in Chapter 4.
3.4.4 Liveability
The concept of a water sensitive city supports a range of liveability outcomes that are
also reflected in the Maroondah 2040 vision. The gradual change to both our lifestyles
and our living environment will provide a range of opportunities to improve water
management. The renewal of public space and community areas, the improvement of
open spaces and waterway corridors and activities in local streets and homes could
include stormwater management initiatives, local water harvesting, education
initiatives or urban greening. Cross-fertilisation of initiatives to improve Maroondah
with the aims of this strategy will ensure multiple benefits are delivered.
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3.5 Summary of Maroondah’s Water Cycle Management
The analysis summarised in this chapter and the supporting attachments, reveals a
series of key issues and opportunities for Maroondah:
 Water is a central and defining element for the City of Maroondah, supporting the
key values of the community. In particular, the green landscapes and the creek
corridors are highly appreciated and core to the identity of the area.
 The management of stormwater is a key concern, and one which can be directly
influenced by Council. Maroondah is situated in the upper catchments of a
number of waterways, all of which are in poor condition largely due to the
influence of urban stormwater flows to local creeks. Reductions of stormwater
flows and improved stormwater quality will benefit the local waterways and the
broader environment.
 The impact of flooding is of increasing concern in Maroondah due to the increasing
urbanisation of the area and the effects of climate change. Improved management
of stormwater systems will help to reduce risk to properties and key infrastructure.
 Council and the local community have taken excellent steps over the last decade
to reduce water use. That said, further improvements are needed to reduce the
mains potable water demand through the increased use of alternative water
sources. Maroondah benefits from access to two major alternative water sources;
recycled water and stormwater. The potential supplies of these alternative water
sources far outweigh the current demands for non-potable water. By using
recycled water and stormwater, improvements can also be made to the health of
local waterways as discharges will be avoided. The current major users of
alternative water sources in the City of Maroondah are Council golf courses, using
harvested urban stormwater.
 Maroondah will change in the future. Further action is needed to address any
additional deterioration in water cycle management as a result of greater volumes
of polluted stormwater, increased risk of flooding, greater water demands and
greater wastewater production. A range of opportunities are available to
implement change in an effective way. Water management initiatives can drive
and be driven by a range of complimentary initiatives that support urban greening,
high quality development, renewal, climate change adaptation and liveability. An
integrated approach, underpinned by a change in culture and practice, will ensure
water sensitive outcomes are well supported.
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------------------------------------------------------------
4. How will we measure our success?
------------------------------------------------------------
4.1 Developing a vision and key outcomes
A vision statement and four key outcomes have been developed for this strategy
which will be used by the Water Sensitive Maroondah working group to guide and
inform delivery plans. The vision statement is:
By 2040, Maroondah will be a water sensitive city. Positioned at the top of
several creek catchments, Maroondah’s waterways will be clean, ecologically
rich, and beautiful recreational corridors that define the character of
Maroondah. Our residents, workers and visitors will treasure water as a valued
resource and enjoy green leafy neighbourhoods and high quality open spaces
that are supported by sustainable water sources. Maroondah will have good
water security and be resilient to drought and flood. Our homes and other
buildings will demonstrate good practice in water management and will benefit
from well-designed streets and green corridors where flood waters are
conveyed safely. In partnership with government, community and relevant
authorities, Council will actively seek opportunities to deliver environmental,
community and economic benefit through continual improvement of the local
water cycle using an integrated approach.
The 4 key outcomes which represent common themes which were identified during
the project consultation process (see Attachment E). The four key outcomes for a
Water Sensitive Maroondah are:
1. Healthy Environments
2. Water Valued by All
3. Collaborative Culture
4. Resilient Places
These key outcomes strongly support the desirable outcomes of Maroondah 2040
vision, as shown in Table 1 (indicative high level connections are shown here, and
there are likely to be further connections, especially on project basis). The key
outcomes are described in more detail in the following sections.
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Table 1
Correlation between the four key outcomes and the outcomes of Maroondah 2040
vision
Healthy
environments
Water valued
by all
Collaborative
culture
Resilient
places
A safe, healthy and
active community
A prosperous and
learning
community
A vibrant and
culturally rich
community
A clean, green and
sustainable
community
An accessible and
connected
community
An attractive,
thriving and wellbuilt community
An inclusive and
diverse community
A well governed
and empowered
community
4.1.1 Healthy Environments
Maroondah enjoys a privileged mix of urban and rural living, with excellent access to
the Yarra Valley and surrounding countryside, while benefiting from the conveniences
and opportunities associated with urban living, with local shops, cafes, businesses and
transport links. The protection and enhancement of this integration of urban and rural
is closely linked to key aspects of the Maroondah 2040 vision which seek to maintain
and create green leafy suburbs and high quality open spaces and recreational
corridors. Water is central to the creation of this vision. Local supplies of water can be
identified to support irrigation of street trees, open spaces and recreation areas. The
quality of local waterways can also be supported through waterway management and
treatment of stormwater runoff through water sensitive urban design.
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4.1.2 Water Valued by All
The provision of clean and instantly available water has become an expectation of
first-world societies. The reality in large parts of Australia, is that water sources are
strained and the management of water resources can place a large strain on energy
sources and the environment. A key aspect of a water sensitive city is the
development of water sensitive communities, encompassing residents, businesses,
councils and collaborators, who each appreciate water as a valued resource. By
valuing water, partners make responsible use of water through water efficiency
measures and pragmatic behavior, along with stewardship of water resources,
including stormwater, wastewater and creek water through pollution management. A
water sensitive Maroondah, will use ‘fit-for-purpose’ water sources, recognising that
not all uses of water require drinking water quality. For example, irrigation water can
be sourced from stormwater or recycled wastewater.
4.1.3 Collaborative Culture
Integrated management of the water cycle, which includes consideration of many
aspects including water supply, stormwater management, flood risk, wastewater
generation and waterway health, requires collaboration between a range of
stakeholders, both within and outside Council. A water sensitive city will involve a
range of infrastructure and initiatives that require input from a range of specialties,
including landscape and open space design, engineering, asset management, public
health, community relations, planning, operations and facilities. The implementation of
this strategy is likely to involve most council departments and require commitment
from all levels within Council. External stakeholders such as Yarra Valley Water,
Melbourne Water, Environment Protection Authority, neighbouring Councils and local
residents and communities also have roles to play in delivering the vision. The
establishment of a collaborative working culture is essential. A collaborative culture is
one where there are embedded opportunities for involvement of partners and
stakeholders, an open and transparent design and management process, a proactive
approach to consultation and project identification and an expectation that water will
be a key part of the conversation.
4.1.4 Resilient Places
As we move towards 2040, a lot of aspects will change. We expect to see
development in Maroondah, adding new homes and businesses through subdivision
and renewal. The expectations of local communities are likely to change as well,
expecting reliable services, effective urban design and attractive and safe
neighbourhoods. The water cycle will also change. With a higher proportion of
impervious surfaces from development we can expect higher volumes of runoff and
greater wastewater generation and water demand from growing populations. The
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creation of a water sensitive Maroondah needs to be based on principles of resilience,
where places and systems are adaptable to change and have an inherent longevity.
Creating places that are flood and drought resilient is essential to the vision, ensuring
that infrastructure, urban design and management systems anticipate future climates
and events. However, all initiatives must be locally appreciated and built to last, with
sufficient maintenance and operation support to ensure they are valued into the future.
4.2 Using targets to measure progress
A series of targets and key performance indicators are essential to measure
Maroondah’s progression towards a Water Sensitive City. These will be monitored and
reported every four years consistent with the term of Council (Councillor election
term). The data source for each of the recommended targets is presented in the table
below. The actions and opportunities discussed in chapters 4 and 5 are tailored to
achieve these targets. The performance scenarios in chapter 5 have been used to
inform the targets and ensure their magnitude is realistic.
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Table 2
Water Sensitive Strategy Targets
Target
No.
Key
performance
indicator
Key activity
10 year target (2015-2025
unless otherwise stated)
Data source
Baseline
Target justifications
Support delivery of
water sensitive urban
design and permeable
surfaces
Reduce annual total nitrogen
pollution by a further 1000kg
by 2025
Subtract new
treatment
measures from
overall pollutant
balance using
estimates
provided in this
toolkit
2014
Based on the performance scenarios
developed (see Chapter 5), this is
achievable through the scoped investment
in council assets and in policy for broader
application of best practice stormwater
management. Nitrogen has been selected
as an indicator because of its common
use in the water industry as an indicator of
stormwater pollution.
Irrigation of 80% of new
trees (beyond
establishment) is achieved
without reliance on potable
water
Record water
source for new
tree plantings
after one year
from planting
date.
2016
This can be achieved with careful
planning and funding of distributed water
sources over time. Tree irrigation can be
supplied from stormwater using passive
irrigation techniques or harvesting
schemes. A substantial stormwater supply
is already available at Council’s Depot
and could be expanded.
All irrigated sports grounds
are provided with adequate
water for safety and amenity,
while minimising potable
water demand through at
least one of these measures:
Water use
records
2014
Conversions to warm season grasses
already undertaken. Encouragement of
rainwater/stormwater harvesting for
irrigation and use of recycled water for
sporting grounds near Brushy Creek
Treatment Plant.
Healthy Environments
1
Reduction in
pollutants in
stormwater
runoff to
creeks (total
nitrogen)
2
3
33
Proportion of
new trees
supported by
fit for purpose
water
Ensure sustainable
water management is
integrated with tree
irrigation, using either:
Proportion of
sporting
grounds with
responsible
water use
Review and continue
works to ensure all
existing and new sports
grounds are irrigated
appropriately while
applying water saving
measures and/or use of
-
No irrigation
Passive irrigation
Irrigation using
alternative sources
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
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Record uptake of
warm season
grasses,
technology and
Council
treatment assets
removal:
2,491kg/year
Remaining
stormwater
runoff nitrogen
content:
39,695kg/year
Sporting ground
potable water
use:
76.2 ML/year
Target
No.
Key
performance
indicator
Key activity
10 year target (2015-2025
unless otherwise stated)
Data source
Baseline
Target justifications
alternative water
sources
 Use of warm season
grasses
 Use of high efficiency
irrigation systems
 Irrigation programs
managed by central
control management
system
 Use of alternative water
sources where feasible
infrastructure
improvements
and alternative
water sources
Reduction in
Council
potable water
use
Reduce Council’s
annual potable water
use through efficiencies
and greater use of
alternative water
sources
Reduce Council’s annual
potable water use by 5%
Yarra Valley
Water annual
records
2014
There are significant opportunities for
rainwater/stormwater harvesting
schemes, use of recycled water or
backwash facilities at aquatic centres (or
other measures) to assist this target,
however the target has been limited given
the expected major increase in demand
for Aquanation (20-50ML/year).
Reduction in
residential
potable water
use
Support communities in
reducing potable
demands through
efficiencies and greater
use of alternative water
sources
Support State Government
initiatives which reduce
residential potable water
use.
Yarra Valley
Water annual
records
2014
Reduction in
non-residential
potable water
Support businesses in
reducing potable
demands through
efficiencies and greater
Support State Government
initiatives which reduce nonresidential potable water
Yarra Valley
Water annual
records
2014
Water Valued by All
4
5
6
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146 ML/year
2012/2013
baseline:
146,088kL
6,218 ML/year
1,234 ML/year
This target will be challenging due to
growth in the area, but is a suitable
challenge target given best practice will
improve. Previous trends have shown
consistent decreases over time due to
behaviour change, water efficiency
measures and rainwater harvesting.
This target will be challenging due to
growth in the area, but is a suitable
challenge target given best practice will
improve. Previous trends have shown
Target
No.
Key
performance
indicator
Key activity
10 year target (2015-2025
unless otherwise stated)
use
use of alternative water
sources
use.
Council’s Water
Sensitive City group
becomes the key driver
of a water sensitive
culture within and
outside Council. Twelve
month crossorganisational
collaboration when
planning major waterrelated projects; 3 – 6
months for smaller
projects.
At least one water-related
project per year on average
which demonstrates one or
more of the following:
Flood management
works to improve
Council’s stormwater
infrastructure.
Implemented through
capital works and
improved flood
modelling data provision
to planning and building
control.
The number of dwellings
with habitable floor levels
which would currently flood
in 1:100 storm events is
reduced by at least 50
dwellings.
Data source
Baseline
Target justifications
consistent decreases over time due to
behaviour change, water efficiency
measures and rainwater harvesting
Collaborative Culture
7
Examples/
case studies of
projects which
encompass
partnerships,
community
engagement
and/or multiple
benefits
(qualitative
indicator).
 Cross-Council approach
 Multiple benefits
 Cross-organisational
partnerships
 Engaged residents,
visitors or businesses
Council records
(of CMT, MEAC
and Council
meetings). Annual
reports from the
WSC group.
None
Reasonable expectation which will drive
the ongoing activity of the WSC group.
Confirm actual
reduction upon
periodic
completion of
district flood
mitigation
planning, funding
availability and
project capacities.
2013
This target can be achieved through a
combination of:
 Capital works, with a current
annual budget of $1million with
average cost of $340,000 per
dwelling protected. A reduction of
30 dwellings is expected over a
10 year period.
 Planning and building controls
using refined flood modelling to
update Planning Scheme
Overlays. This allows building
Resilient Places
8
Reduction in
the number of
properties
subject to
flooding
(i.e mitigate flooding impacts
on a minimum of 50 of the 800
dwellings subject to flooding in
a major storm)
and
Monitor council
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Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
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800 dwellings
are subject to
more than
300mm of
flooding which
affects floor
levels.
Target
No.
Key
performance
indicator
Key activity
10 year target (2015-2025
unless otherwise stated)
Data source
Baseline
Engineering
approvals under
building
regulations.
9
Increase in the
volume of
alternative
water used by
Council.
36
Determine where the
greatest benefits are
and a suitable program
of works within budgets
for alternative supplies
(e.g. rainwater,
stormwater, recycled
water)
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
Increase Council’s use of
alternative water sources by
20 ML
Calculate actual
increase from
asset register of
alternative
sources
(supplement with
meter readings
where available)
Target justifications
plans to be altered accordingly,
and action to be mandated
through building control. A
reduction of 30 dwellings is
expected over a 10 year period.
2014
147ML/year
------------------------------------------------------------
5. Actions Council will pursue to create
a water sensitive culture.
-----------------------------------------------------------The journey towards a water sensitive Maroondah will take time, and a range of
factors come into place that will enable that journey. A substantial research base2 is
available that analyses past progressions towards more sustainable outcomes, and
how cities may transition towards the water sensitive city vision. This project has
identified six essential transition factors that are needed to support Council in
particular in making substantial progress towards becoming a water sensitive city:
1. Council leadership: A well communicated commitment and demonstration of that
commitment is needed by Council to support change.
Maroondah City Council has an important leadership role in driving the water
sensitive city agenda by delivering a range of initiatives through its own facilities
and infrastructure, communicating the desired direction to the community and
other stakeholders and embedding a water-sensitive culture within the
organisation.
2. Requirements and responsibilities: Clear requirements are needed for Council,
communities, developers and businesses. Clarity of roles and responsibilities
within Council also supports delivery of initiatives and successful collaboration.
The requirements and targets set by Council around water management require
updating. Further alignment of existing strategies is also needed. Requirements set
through planning for new development have generally good coverage and there is
an opportunity to strengthen and update these through the review of the planning
scheme (as highlighted in the planning and policy review). Planning policies need
to be well enforced to be effective, and clearly defined roles and responsibilities
within council are needed to support this. The responsibilities of various
departments in relation to water management, particularly water sensitive urban
design, need clarification.
2
37
Including ‘Transition to water sensitive urban design: The story of Melbourne (Brown and Clarke, 2007)’
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
3. Communication processes: As a range of disciplines and stakeholders can
influence water, communication is essential. Processes need to be in place to
welcome collaboration and to distribute knowledge and recognition.
Communication within council as well as between council and external
stakeholders is critically important. Linked to an understanding of roles and
requirements, is the need for individuals and departments to seek input from other
parties and seek collaboration. The need to improve communication and
collaboration between depot staff and council office staff was highlighted,
particularly in relation to capital works design. Community awareness needs to be
raised on some issues, including stormwater pollution and septic tank
management. Council has a role in educating and raising awareness amongst
local residents and businesses.
4. Knowledge and skills: Enabling a change in the way the water cycle is managed
requires specialist knowledge and skills. This is supported through training,
specialist positions and the development of guidance and tools to support council
staff and local communities.
Within Council, it is generally felt that better use could be made of the existing
expertise within Council, through collaboration, but that some expert knowledge is
missing. Specialist water sensitive urban design knowledge and landscape
architecture abilities were highlighted as potential gaps. Further training around
maintenance of WSUD features was also flagged as a need.
5. Demonstration projects: New technologies and general changes to processes,
facilities and the local landscape typically require demonstration to gain buy in. A
useful way to trigger and inspire wider change is through demonstration projects.
Demonstration of new technologies and processes can be used to instill
confidence and to pilot and test new initiatives across Council. In recent years,
Council has successfully implemented a range of WSUD demonstration projects,
earning recognition in the industry. A number of demonstration projects that focus
on key challenges and opportunities have been suggested, including integrated
flood management, creek catchment improvements and precinct-wide initiatives.
There are often opportunities for external funding for demonstration projects to
assist in this regard.
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6. Continuous improvement: An important element of transition is the ability and
desire to monitor, review and continually seek to improve Council processes,
operations and assets.
Council is already providing a range of high quality services to the community and
managing its assets well. Council seeks to further embed water sensitive
Maroondah outcomes in everyday Council activities. This is done through
embedding expectations throughout departments for water to be considered as a
matter of course. A review of possible opportunities for water management
improvement across the municipality area is included in Chapter 6
5.1 Priority Actions
Section 5 draws upon the results from staff workshops and interviews conducted with
Maroondah City Council to appraise the current performance and the actions needed
to ensure the successful transition to a water-sensitive city.
Priority
Actions have been categorised as follows:
High
Medium
Low
Time-scale
A time scale is included to indicate the importance and urgency of the action.
Priority ‘one-off’ actions are denoted as ‘short-term’ (within 1-2 years), while less
urgent ‘one-off’ actions are denoted as mid-term (within 3-5 years). Other important
but non-urgent actions may be considered long-term (6-10 years). Those actions
which need to be consistently undertaken over the life of the strategy are denoted
as ‘ongoing’.
Resourcing
Some actions will be undertaken using in-house Council skills, and require time
from staff in existing roles. These actions are denoted with ‘staff time’. Those which
require new skills or staff-time over and above that currently resourced in general
duties are denoted with ‘new staff’. Where an action requires expert skill (e.g paid
consultancy) or a capital works budget, an estimate has been provided on the likely
scale of cost.
Responsibility
The lead council department that is responsible for the action is denoted in bold,
and other supporting departments listed. Council departments include:









39
Operations
Integrated Planning
Business and Development
Engineering and Building Services
Planning (Statutory), Health and Local Laws
Assets
Water Sensitive City Group – a cross-Council group with external reps.
Communications and Marketing
Finance and Governance
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
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5.2 High Priority, Short Term Actions (1-2 Years)
40
CE = Communication and Engagement
DI = Demonstration and Innovation
CI = Continuous Improvement
KS = Knowledge and Skills
CL = Council Leadership
RR = Requirements and Responsibilities
No.
Action
Priority
Timescale
Unfunded
CL1
Launch this strategy as Council’s endorsed position
on water sensitive cities.
High
Short-term
CL2
Recommend selected water sensitive Maroondah
indicators as community indicators for the 2040
vision. These could potentially be reported against in
a State of Environment report.
High
RR1
Create a flow chart of the trigger points and
responsibilities regarding the incorporation of water
management and broader sustainability
considerations into project planning, design,
construction and maintenance.
KS1
Responsibility
Targets
Staff time
Integrated Planning
All
Short-term
Staff time
Integrated Planning
All
High
Short-term
Staff time
Integrated Planning, all other departments
All
Deliver follow-up training sessions (following on from
Clearwater session) to communicate key
maintenance requirements, roles and responsibilities
for small WSUD and wetland assets. Consider peerto-peer sessions with Knox Council.
High
Short-term
$10K
Integrated Planning, Engineering,
Operations, Assets, Water Sensitive City
Group.
1, 2, 3, 4, 9
CI1
Consider conducting site investigations and
preliminary modelling of priority opportunities
identified in Chapter 5. From the results, prepare a
suite of preliminary, costed, (shovel ready) water
sensitive project ideas for proactive planning and
have them ready for potential funding.
High
Short-term
Within
existing
budgets
Integrated Planning, Engineering, Assets,
Water Sensitive City Group
1, 2, 3, 4,
8, 9
DI1
Seek grants to deliver stormwater harvesting for open
space irrigation in a priority park
High
Short-term
Engineering, Assets, Operations
1, 2, 3, 4, 9
CI2
Review existing water-related assets to determine
performance and identify associated issues
High
Short-term
Engineering, Assets, Operations
1, 4, 8, 9
CI3
Review identified flood management and drainage
projects for multiple-benefit opportunities
High
Short-term
Staff time
Engineering, Integrated Planning,
Operations, Assets
1, 3, 4, 8, 9
CE1
Review internal processes between operations,
assets and engineering to ensure good design,
construction and operation review and handover
processes for optimal ongoing maintenance of WSUD
and wetland assets.
High
Short-term
Staff time
Engineering, Operations, Assets,
1, 2, 3, 4, 9
CE2
Undertake engagement to improve understanding of
septic tank management (in target areas). This could
include council website information about the
High
Short-term
Community Health, Communications and
Marketing
1, 5
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Staff time
Funded
$30K
residential use of greywater.
5.3 Medium Priority, Short Term Actions (1-2 Years)
CE = Communication and Engagement
DI = Demonstration and Innovation
CI = Continuous Improvement
KS = Knowledge and Skills
CL = Council Leadership
RR = Requirements and Responsibilities
No.
Action
Priority
Timescale
Unfunded
RR2
Scope how best to require ESD good practice (including water) in all
development applications (e.g. SDAPP / Green design).
Medium
Short-term
RR3
Investigate planning or development controls to require low levels of
imperviousness or higher levels of retention/detention for development in
headwater catchments (including Jumping Creek and Andersons Creek).
Medium
RR4
Review existing planning permit conditions and comments in view of:
recommendations from this Strategy; the outcomes of the State Review of
Clause 56.07 and the upcoming SDAPP process. Follow up with training
as needed.
RR5
Funded
Responsibility
Targets
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Statutory Planning,
Engineering
1, 5, 6
Short-term
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Statutory Planning,
Engineering
1, 8
Medium
Short-term
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Statutory Planning,
Engineering
1, 5, 6
Create a directory showing Council structure including roles and skills
relating to water (and broader sustainability considerations where
possible). Create the same for external stakeholders.
Medium
Short-term
Staff time
Integrated Planning
All
CE3
Hold a workshop between planning policy and development control teams
to review and agree on the use of existing and new planning mechanisms,
enforcement and education to encourage water sensitive outcomes.
Medium
Short-term
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Statutory Planning,
Engineering, Assets
1, 5, 6
CI4
Introduce a water use hierarchy for use in designing new council assets
Medium
Short-term
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Assets, Engineering,
Operations
4, 9
D12
Research the feasibility of demonstrating an exemplar integrated precinct
water management approach in Activity Centres or renewal area plans
(targeting both public and private space).
Medium
Short-term
Integrated Planning, Engineering
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
8, 9
CE4
Strengthen existing partnerships with key water partners - Yarra Valley
Water, Melbourne Water and DELWP. Discuss the best ways to liaise
during the early planning of major capital works and renewal areas to
scope opportunities for water sensitive activities, including alternative
water use opportunities. Examples may include sharing planning: days;
processes; and information. Instigate yearly reminders through CWIG,
WSCG or SAMWIG processes.
Medium
Short-term
Staff time
Engineering, Integrated Planning, Assets,
Capital Works Implementation Group, Water
Sensitive City Group, Strategic Asset
Management Working Group
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
8, 9
CI5
Continue to register WSC / WSUD assets on Hansen asset management
system
Medium
Short-term
Staff time
Assets, Engineering, Operations
1, 4, 8, 9
5.4 Low Priority, Short Term Actions (1-2 Years)
41
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
D13
42
Catalogue existing demonstration projects, record drivers of innovation and Low
evaluate their success to date (potential student project)
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
Short-term
Staff-time
Integrated Planning, Engineering, Assets
7
5.5 High Priority, Ongoing Actions
CE = Communication and Engagement
DI = Demonstration and Innovation
CI = Continuous Improvement
KS = Knowledge and Skills
CL = Council Leadership
RR = Requirements and Responsibilities
No.
Action
Priority
Timescale
Unfunded
CL3
The Water Sensitive Maroondah Working Group (with representatives from
different departments) will assist with Strategy implementation, evaluation
and reporting, with input from the Maroondah Environment Advisory
Committee. It will report annually to Council.
High
Ongoing
RR6
Consider opportunities for water sensitive planning and projects at
shopping or activity centres (e.g during carpark works) or at precinct level.
High
CI6
Conduct reviews of assets coming up for renewal to identify opportunities
for water sensitive (and other ESD) outcomes through modification of
assets, e.g. opportunities to replace potable water with recycled water or
stormwater (especially for high water users e.g. sporting field irrigation).
CE5
CI7
Responsibility
Targets
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Operations, Business
and Development, Engineering, Statutory
Planning, Community Health, Assets,
Communications and Marketing
7
Ongoing
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Statutory Planning,
Engineering, Business & Development
High
Ongoing
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Assets, Engineering,
Operations, Strategic Asset Management
Working Group
1, 2, 3, 4,
8, 9
Within existing budgets, allow an appropriate spend for water sensitive
outcomes in projects and core business, with appropriate financial
reporting within and by Council.
High
Ongoing
Staff time
Within
existing
capital
works and
recurrent
budgets.
Engineering, Assets, Operations, Capital
Works Implementation Group, Finance
All
Deliver structural and non-structural projects which support priority
opportunities identified in Chapter 5 of this toolkit. Key opportunities are to:
 Improve and rehabilitate existing creeks and waterbodies through in-situ
works
 Maintain or increase permeability to reduce stormwater runoff
 Reduce stormwater pollution including septic runoff
 Use alternative water sources locally
 Create or activate new multi-functional green spaces
 Increase flood mitigation
 Improve water use efficiency
 Community engagement sites
High
Ongoing
Staff time
Within
existing
capital
works
budgets.
Engineering, Assets, Integrated Planning,
Water Sensitive City Group
1, 2, 3, 4,
8, 9
CP9
Continue to support the ‘Choose Tap’ initiative, installing drinking fountains
and working with Yarra Valley to highlight the benefits of tap water.
High
Ongoing
Staff time
Assets, Community Health, Communications
and Marketing
5
KS2
Review and monitor training, conference, field trip and seminar and other
knowledge and idea-sharing forums needs as a standing item on the
WSCG agenda.
High
Ongoing
Staff time
Water Sensitive City Group.
1, 2, 3, 4, 9
CI8
Monitor funding opportunities for investments in new technologies and
practices (e.g. Living Rivers programme)
High
Ongoing
Staff time
Grants Officer, Integrated Planning,
Engineering
7
43
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
Funded
Apply for
grants
where
possible.
Within
existing
budgets
5.6 High Priority, Mid-Term Actions (3-5 Years)
CE = Communication and Engagement
DI = Demonstration and Innovation
CI = Continuous Improvement
KS = Knowledge and Skills
CL = Council Leadership
RR = Requirements and Responsibilities
No.
Action
Priority
Timescale
Unfunded
RR7
Investigate the issues involved in updating the planning scheme to include
a C108 style policy (see Mooney Valley example) to require stormwater
quality management on a wider range of development.
High
Mid-term
RR8
Utilise updated flood modelling to develop Planning Scheme Overlays
assist in development of building controls with more accurately identified
flood prone locations. Monitor approvals under the Building Regulations.
High
Mid-term
Funded
Responsibility
Targets
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Statutory Planning,
Engineering
1, 5, 6
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Engineering, Statutory
Planning,
7, 8
5.7 Medium Priority, Mid-Term Actions (3-5 Years)
No.
Action
Priority
Timescale
Unfunded
CE6
Consider conducting a targeted review of local
businesses and industry to minimise stormwater
pollution (following the Kingston model). Tie in with
RR6, 7 and 10, CE12 and KS3 below.
Medium
Mid-term
KS3
Consider developing a water-sensitive city toolkit for
private land developments which informs planning
discussions with developers. Use it to complement the
current development and drainage guidelines. Include
all or any of the following:
 measurement and quantification of the multiple
benefits of water sensitive initiatives
 identify suitable initiatives for different types of
sites and different scales of development.
 address rainwater capture and reuse
 address stormwater detention, reuse and
treatment
 show design checklists and standard drawings
for stormwater quality treatment devices
(WSUD’s)
 address maintenance issues
 consider alternatives or additions such as tree
pits, green roofs and green walls, wetlands or
waterway enhancements
Medium
KS4
Adapt the toolkit suggested in KS3 above for Council
Medium
44
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
Funded
Responsibility
Targets
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Community
Health, Engineering, Assets,
Business and Development
1
Mid-term
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Engineering,
Operations, Statutory Planning,
Assets
1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8, 9,
Mid-term
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Engineering,
Operations, Statutory Planning,
1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
use. Consider addressing the following:
 design and maintenance checklists for WSUD /
WSC designs as needed to review consultant
proposals
 measurement and quantification of the multiple
benefits of water sensitive initiatives to assist
funding applications and allocation of resources
 the review of existing and/or development of
new maintenance guidelines and processes for
other water-related assets such as rainwater
tanks
Funded
Assets
6, 7, 8, 9,
Responsibility
Targets
No.
Action
Priority
Timescale
Unfunded
CL5
Review the allowed design and build timeline for
capital works projects to ensure adequate time is
allocated for design input from multiple departments
(e.g. one year for design on major projects)
Medium
Mid-term
Staff time
Engineering, Assets, Operations,
All
Capital Works Implementation Group,
Strategic Asset Management Working
Group, Finance
KS5
Develop a business case for consideration to employ
an urban/landscape designer (with water-sensitive
design skills) within Council to work on project delivery
as required. This could be potentially funded through
capital as a positive return-on-investment.
Medium
Mid-term
Staff time
Engineering, Statutory Planning,
Business and Development,
Integrated Planning, Water Sensitive
City Group.
1, 2, 3
DI4
Investigate a WSUD retrofit to improve stormwater
flows from a demonstration area in a commercial /
industrial area
Medium
Mid-term
Engineering, Assets,
Communication and marketing,
Business and Development
1, 6
5.8 Medium Priority, Ongoing Actions
CE = Communication and Engagement
DI = Demonstration and Innovation
CI = Continuous Improvement
KS = Knowledge and Skills
CL = Council Leadership
RR = Requirements and Responsibilities
No.
Action
Priority
Timescale
Unfunded Funded
Responsibility
Targets
CE7
Continue to participate in the South-East Councils Integrated Water
Management Group and other regional groupings as appropriate.
Medium
Ongoing
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Engineering
7
DI5
Identify opportunities to publicise success in existing demonstration
projects and distribute ‘lessons learnt’ from failures and successes
Medium
Ongoing
Staff-time
Integrated Planning, Engineering,
Water Sensitive City Group, Assets
7
DI6
Engage a cross-section of staff in demonstration projects to spread
knowledge and drive innovation
Medium
Ongoing
Staff-time
Integrated Planning, Engineering,
Assets, Operations
7
DI7
Continue to participate in knowledge sharing forums to identify new
practices and technologies, including undertake study tours of other
council areas to share learning and gain ideas
Medium
Ongoing
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Engineering
7
DI8
Regularly review types of demonstration projects needed to target
areas in need of progress and allocate funding appropriately
Medium
Ongoing
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Engineering,
Assets, Operations
All
45
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
RR9
Develop Asset Management and Operational plans for water-related
assets, which identify the maintenance objectives for systems,
maintenance tasks required, and key roles and skills.
Medium
Ongoing
Staff time
Assets, Operations, Engineering
1, 2, 3, 4, 8,
9
No.
Action
Priority
Timescale
Unfunded Funded
Responsibility
Targets
CE8
Use existing forums as a means of communicating water-sensitive
activities to all staff. These include staff briefings and the leadership
forum.
Medium
Ongoing
Staff time
Water Sensitive City Group,
Integrated Planning,
7
CE9
Continue to look for opportunities to include interpretation / education
in design and demonstration projects.
Medium
Ongoing
Engineering, Integrated Planning,
Communications and Marketing,
Operations
1, 5, 6
CE10
Continue collaboration with businesses and Yarra Valley Water as
part of trade waste management project (currently under evaluation).
Medium
Ongoing
Community Health, Business &
Development, Yarra Valley Water
1
Within
existing
budgets
Staff time
5.9 Low Priority, Medium Term Actions (3-5 Years)
CE = Communication and Engagement
DI = Demonstration and Innovation
CI = Continuous Improvement
KS = Knowledge and Skills
CL = Council Leadership
RR = Requirements and Responsibilities
No.
Action
Priority
Timescale
RR10 Undertake stakeholder collaboration to develop policy and guidance to
improve stormwater management in industrial areas (following internal
examples and the example from City of Hume)
Low
Mid-term
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Statutory Planning,
Engineering, Local Laws, Community Health,
Melbourne Water, EPA
1, 6
D19
Low
Mid-term
Staff time
Engineering, Assets, Operations
4, 8, 9
Responsibility
Targets
Investigate the feasibility of demonstrating talking tanks technology by
installing dual purpose flood retention and harvesting tanks
Unfunded
Funded
Responsibility
Targets
5.10 Low Priority, Long Term Actions (6-10 Years)
No.
Priority
Timescale
Unfunded
CE11 Investigate the feasibility of an education program or council website page
about alternative water for residential use (rainwater and stormwater)
which builds on the work undertaken for greywater (see CE2).
Low
Long-term
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Communications and
Marketing, Community Health, Melbourne
Water, Yarra Valley Water
1
CE12 Investigate the feasibility of an education program and projects with
businesses about green roofs, green walls, rainwater harvesting and
stormwater treatment. Link to CE6, RR6, 7 and 10 and multiple benefits
such as water re-use, green infrastructure and amenity improvements.
Low
Long-term
Staff time
Integrated Planning, Communication and
Marketing, Business and Development,
Engineering
1, 6
46
Action
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
Funded
----------------------------------------------------------------
6. Physical opportunities to support a
water sensitive Maroondah
---------------------------------------------------------------There are a range of physical projects that can be undertaken to add or amend buildings,
infrastructure or landscapes that promote enhanced water management outcomes. A
water sensitive Maroondah includes systems and ecosystems within the urban
environment which manage water while also increasing urban greening, benefiting
amenity and protecting vulnerable structures and assets. This chapter reviews the
possible types and locations of key projects and the typical costs and benefits of various
initiatives. Most of these will be considered during the preparation of Council’s Capital
Works Program, while others can be funded or supported by other means, such as
grants.
6.1 What and where are the opportunities in Maroondah?
A series of possible initiatives have been identified through the course of the Water
Sensitive Maroondah study through a desktop expert review and through consultation
with Council staff. These opportunities have not been modelled in detail or site-verified,
and require further investigation by Council. However, Table 3 provides a list of the types
of physical projects Council could support to drive water sensitive outcomes and possible
priority locations where these projects could be located. Figure 15 shows suggested
locations spatially (where actions are Maroondah-wide these are not located on the map).
47
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
Figure 15
Possible locations for key opportunities
48
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
Table 3
Opportunities identified for further investigation
Initiative / Opportunity for further investigation
Scale
Strategic location/s and other information
Delivery Approach
Key benefits








A: Improve and rehabilitate existing creeks and waterbodies through in-situ works
A1
A2
Improve water quality in Ringwood Lake by
remodelling lake surface to include a larger wetland
area
Continue to improve creek vegetation and safety and
stability through changes to Creek form.
Site-specific
Ringwood Lake
Direct council investment in
capital works
Site-specific

Continue planting and re-naturalisation works in other section of Mullum Mullum creek, such
as the bottom of Sonia Street and Glencairn Avenue.
For sections of Dandenong Creek around Heathmont with a concrete invert and grassed
floodway, introduce a piped diversion for moderate flows and establish planting in grassed
floodway areas.
For sections of Dandenong Creek and Taralla Creek with piped flow and grass channel
overflows, reverse the arrangement to have low flows above ground and moderate flows
below ground. Continue to revegetate riparian channel, starting with the section of Taralla
Creek adjacent to Eastfield Park.
Partnered investment
(Council / Melbourne Water /
Community groups)
Jumping Creek catchment
Andersons Creek catchment
Policy and planning

(Note: The Enhancing Our Dandenong Creek project
may assist with this)




Healthy waterways
Green spaces
Trees and amenity
Recreation
Integrated approach
Seeking multiple benefits
Working with partners
Engaged communities and
businesses
Flood resilient
Cool microclimate
Good urban design




Healthy waterways
Reduced stormwater pollution
Integrated approach
Flood resilient


Healthy waterways
Responsible use by council,
residents and businesses
Reduced stormwater pollution
Reduced wastewater pollution
Working with partners
Engaged communities and
businesses
Integrated approach
Seeking multiple benefits
Working with partners
Flood resilient
Cool microclimate
Good urban design
B. Improve permeability or capture to reduce stormwater runoff
B1
B2
B3
Maintain low DCI (directly connected impervious area)
in headwater catchments to remediate Creeks
through disconnection of downpipes and restrictions
on impermeable area (by using planning scheme
overlays)
Investigate effective permeable surfaces and their use
in new development (using existing communication
methods)
Require increased detention/retention for flood
mitigation and reuse on all types of new development
Catchment-specific


Trial
Maroondah-wide if trial is effective
Community support
Maroondah-wide
Maroondah-wide
Policy and Planning
Site-specific





Partnered investment
(Council / Yarra Valley Water/
EPA)
C. Reduce stormwater and wastewater pollution
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
49
Continue implementation of tradewaste management
project working with local businesses and industry.
There are approximately 400 properties in Maroondah City Council area included in the current
Sewer backlog program. Areas with high proportions of septic tanks are identified in Domestic
Wastewater Management Plan. Properties in Ringwood North are in the current area of work.
.
Council




Site-specific



Partnered investment
(Council / EPA/MW)
Business support






Site-specific
Applies to industrial zoned land e.g. Bayswater North
Policy and planning
Site-specific




Policy and planning
Educate owners and users and investigate a range of
on-site solutions to improve the performance of septic
tanks in reticulation backlog areas
Site-specific
Work in partnership with Melbourne Water and EPA
Victoria to deliver improvements to management of
stormwater on industrial premises in accordance with
Local Law and state environmental legislation.
Consider incentives for water sensitive precincts.
Introduce an industrial stormwater management
policy for new and redeveloped industrial sites
Integrated best practice water sensitive urban design
for Activity Centres and major redevelopments
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
Canterbury Road businesses/ Bayswater north
Heathmont commercial precinct
Ringwood commercial centre
Croydon commercial centre
Heatherdale Road commercial precinct
Bayswater north
Industry adjacent to Heatherdale Creek
Maroondah Highway corridor
Ringwood Activity Centre
Ringwood East Precinct
Croydon Activity Centre
Heathmont Precinct
Initiative / Opportunity for further investigation
Scale
Strategic location/s and other information
Delivery Approach
Key benefits
Maroondah highway industrial area alongside Mullum Mullum Creek (e.g. behind Car City)
Ringwood commercial centre discharges to Mullum Mullum Creek (constrained land
downstream, may need to retrofit on-lot/on-street)
Bayswater North industrial area (may need to retrofit on-lot/on-street unless land can be
acquired from transport reserve)
Direct council investment in
capital works
Business support
Seek grants


Ringwood Civic Centre
Direct council investment in
capital works
 Possible creek enhancements adjacent to Eastland
Build stormwater treatment measures (e.g. wetlands,
bioretention) to intercept runoff from key polluting
catchments before stormwater is discharged to
waterways
Site-specific
C7
Integrated best practice water sensitive urban design
for major council projects
Site-specific
C8
Introduce additional water treatment wetlands in
existing retarding basins
Site-specific
C6




 Aquanation
Prioritise based on catchment and ability to retrofit RB. Initial review suggests the following
warrant further evaluation as priority locations:
 Canterbury Gardens retarding basin
 Colchester Rd retarding basin (taking into account ecological sensitivity)
 Greengable Court retarding basin (at Jumping Creek headwaters)
 Mahon Reserve control structure (at Andersons Creek headwaters)
Direct council investment in
capital works
OR
Partnered investment
(Council / Melbourne Water)
 Responsible use by council
 Good urban design











C9
C10
Integrate stormwater treatment measures into road
design to intercept runoff and provide passive
irrigation of street trees and road-side vegetation
where appropriate
Focussed work with communities to encourage retrofit
of on-lot stormwater management measures
Maroondah-wide
Prioritise based on scheduled road upgrades or improvements, size of road, ease of integration
Direct council investment in
capital works
Maroondah-wide
Work with targetted community groups or school areas
Community support
Site-specific


Direct council investment in
capital works. Seek grants
Healthy waterways
Reduced stormwater pollution
Healthy waterways
Green spaces
Trees and amenity
Responsible use by council,
residents and businesses
Reduced stormwater pollution
Integrated approach
Seeking multiple benefits
Working with partners
Flood resilient
Cool microclimate
Good urban design



Good urban design
Green spaces
Trees and amenity
Seeking multiple benefits
Responsible use by council,
residents and businesses





Healthy waterways
Green spaces
Trees and amenity
Recreation
Responsible use by council,
residents and businesses
Fit for purpose water sources
Reduced stormwater pollution
Seeking multiple benefits
Working with partners
Engaged communities and
businesses
Flood resilient
Drought resilient
Cool microclimate


D. Use alternative water sources locally
D1
D2
D3
50
Harvest stormwater from existing retarding
basins/wetland/lake locations for surrounding uses
(e.g. irrigation) where treatment and cost suggest
value for money
Construct new stormwater treatment and harvesting
schemes for sporting grounds and green space
irrigation
Create a strategic linked stormwater harvesting
network for green spaces
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report


Site-specific
Site-specific
Jubilee Park retarding basins for surrounds (4 ovals, 1 sporting ground, Aquanation)
Taralla Creek/Croydon Wetlands for surrounds (Eastfield Park, Cheong Park, Benson oval,
Fred Geale oval, Croydon Park, Aquahub)
Narr-Maen wetlands for irrigation of surroundings / Warranwood Reserve
Ringwood Lake (e.g Jubilee Park, East Ringwood Reserve
OR
Partnered investment
(Council / Melbourne Water /
Yarra Valley Water)
Prioritise based on water demands, catchment reliability and ease of access to drain. Initial
review suggests the following warrant further evaluation as priority locations:
 Barngeong Reserve and Esther Park (3 ovals, 5 sporting grounds)
 H.E.Parker Reserve (2 ovals, 3 sporting grounds)
 Quambee Reserve (3 ovals, 2 sporting grounds). Could investigate existing downstream RB
across border.
 Mullum reserve (2 ovals)
 Yarra Valley Grammar (2 ovals, 3 sporting grounds)
 Gracedale Park (1 oval)
 Ringwood golf course
 Dorset golf course
Direct council investment in
capital works

Direct council investment in
capital works
Dandenong Creek string of open spaces on both sides including Ringwood golf course
(collaborate with Knox City Council)





OR
Partnered investment
(Council / Melbourne Water /
Yarra Valley Water)



Initiative / Opportunity for further investigation
Scale
Strategic location/s and other information
Delivery Approach

OR
Dorset golf course supply to link to Dorset recreational reserves and sporting grounds
Key benefits
Partnered investment
(Council / Melbourne Water /
Yarra Valley Water)
Encourage existing residents and businesses to
harvest rainwater for local use (using existing
communication methods)
Encourage take-up of rainwater harvesting in new
developments (using policy and negotiation
instruments)
Look for opportunities to enhance current Council
roofwater / stormwater capture and storage. A
network of storages could be used for refill points for
council tree watering tankers.
Maroondah-wide
Maroondah-wide, with prioritised major roofs with local uses, e.g. Car City for car washing,
Bayswater North roofs for industrial uses
Community support, Advocacy
Maroondah-wide
Maroondah-wide
Policy and planning
Site-specific




Maroondah Council depot
Aquahub
Aquanation
Ringwood Service Centre
Direct council investment in
capital works
D7
Pool backwash from leisure centres could be used to
irrigate nearby green spaces
Site specific

Aquahub (to irrigate Croydon Park or Eastfield Park)
 Aquanation (to irrigate Jubilee Park)
Direct council investment in
capital works
D8
At aquatic centres, rainwater could be harvested from
the roof and filtered and disinfected for pool use,
cleaning backwash pool filters, toilet flushing, showers
and watering gardens.
Extend recycled water supply network from Brushy
Creek Treatment Plant for irrigation of open spaces
near network or for third pipe supply to new
developments
Site specific


Direct council investment in
capital works
Site-specific
Prioritise in collaboration with Yarra Valley Water. Could consider:
 Hochkins Ridge Reserve
 Barngeong Reserve and Esther Park
 Warrien Reserve
 Silcock Reserve
 Croydon Activity Centre
 New developments in Croydon
Partnered investment
(Council / Yarra Valley Water)

Policy and planning
D4
D5
D6
D9
Aquahub
Aquanation












Healthy waterways
Green spaces
Trees and amenity
Recreation
Responsible use by council,
residents and businesses
Fit for purpose water sources
Reduced wastewater pollution
Integrated approach
Seeking multiple benefits
Working with partners
Drought resilient
Cool microclimate
E. Create or activate new multi-functional green spaces
E1
Create a green-blue corridor which can be used for
water management (e.g. treatment, storage,
aboveground flow) as well as for recreation and
ecological links.
Site-specific





Temporary or permanent use of the transport reserve adjacent to Bayswater North (where
Bungalook Creek is piped below).
Green corridor extension from the upper reaches of Bungalook Creek through Kilsyth South
Green corridor and possible daylighting of drain through Quambee Reserve to extend natural
reaches of Andersons Creek
Dandenong Creek (Enhancing Our Dandenong Creek water quality treatment project)
Living Links (other Dandenong Creek opportunities)
Sensitive headwaters areas such as Jumping Creek
AND
Direct council investment in
capital works
OR








Healthy waterways
Green spaces
Trees and amenity
Recreation
Integrated approach
Seeking multiple benefits
Working with partners
Cool microclimate

Fit for purpose water sources
Partnered investment
(Council / Melbourne Water)
F. Flood mitigation
F1
51
Deliver on-lot dedicated or dual purpose tanks for
temporary rainwater storage to mitigate risk of local
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
Maroondah-wide
Maroondah-wide
Policy and planning
Delivery Approach
Key benefits
Prioritise based on priorty flood risk locations (particularly areas frequently flooded in minor
storms). Initial review suggests the following locations warrant further investigation:
 Glenvale Road Drain catchment
 Eastern tributaries to Mullum Mullum Creek (Ringwood East)
 Brushy Creek tributaries (Croydon North)
 Taralla Creek tributaries (Croydon)
 Heatherdale Creek catchment (Heathmont)
 Specific tributaries of Dandenong Creek
Direct council investment in
capital works
OR





Partnered investment
(Council / Melbourne Water)


Reduced stormwater pollution
Integrated approach
Seeking multiple benefits
Working with partners
Engaged communities and
businesses
Flood resilient
Drought resilient
Catchment-specific

Partnered investment
(Council / Yarra Valley Water)




Integrated approach
Seeking multiple benefits
Working with partners
Flood resilient
Continue to look for opportunities to reduce leaks,
replace systems or change behaviour to further
reduce potable water use in Council facilities and
assets
Maroondah-wide
Various council asset locations, which may include:
 Swimming pools
 Irrigated sports grounds
 Street trees
 Offices
Direct council investment in
capital works

Responsible use by council,
residents and businesses
Fit for purpose water sources
Engaged communities and
businesses
Drought resilient
Encourage residents and businesses to reduce
potable water use through water efficiency measures
and the use of rainwater tanks
Deliver high water effiicency standards in new
developments
Maroondah-wide
Maroondah-wide
Community support
Maroondah-wide
Maroondah-wide
Policy and planning
Initiative / Opportunity for further investigation
F2
F3
flooding in new development and reuse opportunties
Continue to create dual-purpose WSUD and flood
mitigation projects and further consider other
opportunities such as, retarding basin and harvesting
/ retarding basin and treatment
In conjunction with Yarra Valley Water, continue to
investigate how stormwater inflows to sewers can be
reduced to reduce sewer spills.
Scale
Strategic location/s and other information
Catchment-specific
Ringwood has been identified as an investigation area with high stormwater inflow
G. Water use efficiency
G1
G2
G3



H. Community engagement sites
52
H1
Improve public awareness and appreciation of local
creeks through Creek events, pop-up parks, festivals
etc
Site-specific




Mullum mullum creek
Dandenong creek
Heatherdale creek (‘ugliest creek’)
Taralla Creek
Community support
H2
Include educational signage and information around
water infrastructure and in council buildings
Site-specific



WSUD demonstration projects
Ringwood Service Centre
Ringwood Library
Community support
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report







Healthy waterways
Green spaces
Trees and amenity
Recreation
Integrated approach
Engaged communities and
businesses
Good urban design
6.2 Which opportunities will be the most beneficial and the
most cost-effective?
To assist the Water Sensitive Maroondah Group within Council in prioritising physical
opportunities to be delivered, this tool kit includes performance scenarios that will
assist in determining the cost-benefit of particular projects and in planning activities to
meet the proposed targets in the Water Sensitive Maroondah Strategy.
As scoped in the previous sections, there are a range of initiatives that Council can
employ or support to deliver the desired water management outcomes from the
Strategy. Some of the actions identified in this toolkit are 'non-structural' and involve
the development of leadership, knowledge and effective processes. Other actions will
lead to the delivery of 'structural' projects, which involve the construction of physical
infrastructure and assets. Potential structural locations and types of interventions have
been preliminarily identified in the Section 5.1.
This section (5.2) considers the various combinations of projects and initiatives that
could support the water sensitive Maroondah outcomes to greatest effect. The results
have been used to identify the targets that will drive investment. These targets are
both challenging and achievable.
There are a range of opportunities that could be delivered in Maroondah, each with
their own cost and benefit profile. The delivery of each opportunity will involve various
partners, and typically include Council, Melbourne Water, Yarra Valley Water,
developers, residents and businesses to different extents. The specific journey that
Maroondah takes to achieve its targets and outcomes will depend on a combination of
factors, such as capital budgets, resource allocations, communication effectiveness
and collaboration opportunities. This section outlines the effectiveness of three
possible performance scenarios or 'journeys' that Council and its partners may take as
described in the table below.
53
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
Table 4
Performance scenario descriptions
Scenario
Description
Delivered physical opportunities
1. Focus on
Council directly owns and operates a
range of buildings and infrastructure,
through improvements to these
assets, Council can influence a range
of water outcomes. This scenario
focuses on investment where Council
has the most direct influence and
control. Costs in this scenario would
be borne by Council.

Council assets
and practices





2. Focus on new
development
3. Focus on
existing homes
and
businesses
Through its planning responsibilities,
Council can also require or
encourage the delivery of water
management outcomes on land
affected by new development and
renewal. In this case, structural
projects are primarily delivered by
developers. Costs in this scenario
would be borne by developers.

The majority of land in Maroondah is
owned by local residents and
businesses. However, Council has a
stewardship role and an ability to
communicate with and support
activities within the local community.
This scenario considers the
achievements that could be made
through a focus on supporting the
actions taken on private land. Costs
in this scenario would be borne by
property owners.



Stormwater harvesting for irrigation
established at three open spaces.
Backwash reuse for irrigation at Aquahub
and Aquanation.
Provide passive irrigation to 50 trees in
roadways.
Install 5 more rainwater tanks on Council
buildings.
Use of recycled water from Brushy Creek
for irrigation of 3 ovals.
Deliver 2,500 m2 of retrofitted
raingardens throughout Maroondah in
roads and carparks.
Policy change to expand best practice
stormwater management requirements
to cover single lot (and precinct)
development.
Policy change to expand best practice
stormwater management requirements
to cover commercial development.
5% of existing residential properties to
install rainwater tanks.
5% of commercial and industrial
properties to install rainwater tanks.
A series of structural projects have been identified under each journey which may be
delivered as shown above. All of these scenarios require a series of non-structural
actions to be taken to enable the delivery of physical projects. These projects have
been assigned to demonstrate the relative effectiveness of different interventions and
are not intended as specific project recommendations.
6.3 Results of performance scenario modelling
Based on the cost and modelling assumptions described in Attachment F, the three
performance scenarios outlined above were modelled to determine their likely benefits
and costs. Different types of intervention provide differing scales of progress towards
54
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
certain targets for a certain dollar value. Table 5 provides unit rates and demonstrates
the estimated cost-effectiveness of different types of structural interventions.
Each of the performance scenarios tested includes a degree of change that could be
reasonably delivered within the 10 year life of the Water Sensitive Maroondah
Strategy. The impact of each scenario, and their individual components, are outlined
Table 6 above along with their associated costs (capital and maintenance).
55
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
Table 5
Summary unit treatment rates for water sensitive urban design (WSUD) measures
WSUD treatment measure and catchment characteristics
56
Demand
(kL/yr)
Pollutant reduction
(kg/yr)
Flow reduction
and/or water
conservation
benefit (kL/yr)
TSS
TP
TN
CAPEX
CAPEX
OPEX
WSUD Treatment
Catchment
Size of
treatment
measure
Raingarden
(retrofitted into street)
0.25 ha (75%
impervious)
7 m2
n/a
20
408
0.52
1.75
$4,980
Raingarden
(retrofitted into car park)
0.125 ha (100%
impervious)
8 m2
n/a
21
81
0.10
0.88
Passive Tree Irrigation
(retrofit/break kerb in
street)
2 infiltration
trenches per tree
receiving runoff
from 15 m of road
reserve (75%
impervious)
0.14 m2
n/a
7
2.5
0.004
Rainwater tank
(retrofitted onto Council
building)
200 m2 roof (100%
impervious)
10 kL
variable
100
2.7
Rainwater tank
(retrofitted onto residential
building)
275 m2 roof (100%
impervious)
1 kL
15
15
Rainwater tank
(retrofitted onto
commercial building)
500 m2 roof (100%
impervious)
5 kL
365
Rainwater tank
(retrofitted onto industrial
building)
1000 m2 roof
(100% impervious)
8 kL
Stormwater harvesting
scheme for open space
irrigation
6.25 ha (50%
impervious)
175 m2
inlet pond,
1000 m2
wetland
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
$ per kL of
water
conservation
$ per kg
nitrogen
removal
$105
n/a
$2,845
$5,691
$120
n/a
$6,482
0.02
$1,000
$0
n/a
$55,556
0.015
0.22
$7,187
$60
$72
$32,057
1.5
0.005
0.06
$4,200
$60
$275
$68,852
210
6
0.033
0.48
$4,800
$60
$23
$9,990
243
216
6
0.035
0.49
$6,250
$60
$29
$12,755
14,960
12,700
4,669
8.4
55
$986,250
$10,500
$78
$18,096
Table 6
Summary of performance scenarios
Stormwater
reduction (kL/yr)
Performance
Scenario Focus
1
57
Council
assets and
practices
Action
Pollutant reduction (kg/yr)
Alternative
water use
by Council
(kL/yr)
TSS
TP
TN
Estimated
Capital Cost
Annual
Maintenance
Cost
Potential annual
savings due to
potable water
substitution
Stormwater harvesting for
irrigation established at three
open spaces.
12,700
12,700
4,700
8
55
$986,250
$10,500
$34,925
Backwash reuse for irrigation at
Aquahub and Aquanation.
23,200
23,200
n/a
n/a
n/a
$600,000
$30,000
$31,900*
Provide passive irrigation to 50
trees in roadways.
400
-
125
0.2
0.9
$50,000
$0
$0
Install 5 more rainwater tanks on
Council buildings.
500
500
13
0.1
1.1
$36,000
$300
$1,375
Use of recycled water from
Brushy Creek for irrigation of 3
ovals.
12,000
12,000
n/a
n/a
n/a
$200,000
$0
$718
Deliver 2500 m2 of retrofitted
raingardens throughout
Maroondah in roads and
carparks.
6,853
-
85,529
109
450
$1,778,400
$37,500
n/a
Subtotal
55,653
57,700
90,367
118
506
$3,650,650
$78,000
$69,000
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
Stormwater
reduction (kL/yr)
Performance
Scenario Focus
2
3
New
development
Existing
homes and
businesses
Action
Alternative
water use
by Council
(kL/yr)
TSS
TP
TN
Pollutant reduction (kg/yr)
Annual
Maintenance
Cost
Potential annual
savings due to
potable water
substitution
Policy change to expand best
practice stormwater
management requirements to
cover new houses.
103,000
-
22,000
41
746
$17,642,000
$181,000
$262,650
Policy change to expand best
practice stormwater
management requirements to
cover new units and flats.
16,000
-
800
2.9
42.2
$184,000
$1,000
$40,800
Policy change to expand best
practice stormwater
management requirements to
cover commercial
developments.
14,000
400
2
32
$499,000
$6,000
$38,500
Subtotal
133,000
-
23,200
46
820
$18,325,000
$188,000
$341,950
5% of existing residential
properties to install rainwater
tanks.
33,000
-
3,300
10
133
$9,157,000
$131,000
$84,150
5% of commercial and industrial
properties to install rainwater
tanks.
37,000
-
1,100
6.0
85
$1,082,000
$10,000
$101,750
Subtotal
70,000
-
4,400
16
218
$10,239,000
$141,000
$ 185,900
-
*assumes that only half of pool backwash used for irrigation of nearby parks replaces potable water use
58
Estimated
Capital Cost
Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
Final Report
Matching delivery of structural projects with targets
The targets in the strategy have been developed based on the performance scenarios
analysed above, whereby a level of delivery that is deemed deliverable through
comparative experience by Melbourne councils and partners. Table 13 summarises
the effectiveness of each scenario on the targets outlined. A combined approach that
focusses on council assets, new development and existing homes and businesses is
essential in driving the water sensitive city outcomes.
The recommendations made as a result of this analysis are listed in Section 2:
Recommendations (page 8):
Table 7
Summary of the effectiveness of each performance scenario
No
10 year Target
Performance Scenario Effectiveness
Council
assets
New
Development
Existing
homes and
businesses
Combined
Healthy Environments
Reduce annual total nitrogen
pollution by a further 1000kg by
2025
1
Irrigation of 80% of new trees
(beyond establishment) is
achieved without reliance on
potable water
2
3
Medium
Low
Medium
High
High
Low
No impact
High
High
No impact
No impact
High
All irrigated sports grounds are
provided with adequate water
for safety and amenity, while
minimising potable water
demand through at least one of
these measures:




Use of warm season grasses
Use of high efficiency
irrigation systems
Irrigation programs managed
by central control
management system
Use of alternative water
sources where feasible
Water Valued by All
4
Reduce Council’s annual
potable water use by 10%
High
No impact
No impact
High
5
Support the reduction of
residential potable water use by
5%
No impact
Low
Medium
Medium
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Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
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Support the reduction of nonresidential potable water use by
5%
6
No impact
Low
Medium
Medium
High
No impact
No impact
High
Collaborative Culture
7
At least one water-related
project per year on average
which demonstrates one or
more of the following:




Cross-Council approach
Multiple benefits
Cross-organisational
partnerships
Engaged residents, visitors
or businesses
Resilient Places
The number of dwellings with
habitable floor levels which
would currently flood in 1:100
storm events is reduced by at
least 50 dwellings.
8
Increase Council’s use of
alternative water sources by 20
ML
9
Performance scenarios haven’t included specific
flood mitigation projects as these vary
significantly based on location. Harvesting and
stormwater treatment projects could be designed
with a dual flood retention purpose to assist in
delivery of this target. Target will otherwise be
achieved through targeted flood mitigation
measures.
Low
High
High
.
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Maroondah Water Sensitive City Strategy
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No impact
No impact