Water Sensitive Urban Design Policy

Policy

Policy to support the widespread implementation of WSUD is being developed which will ensure that all new developments in the implement WSUD in the Darwin Harbour Region. Policy being developed for WSUD in the Darwin Region, includes:
  • A definition of WSUD, including a set of guiding principles
  • WSUD objectives, including clear targets

Two discussion papers have been developed to facilitate discussion on the policy that will be used in the Darwin Region to support the adoption of WSUD. The discussion papers include:

  • A review of WSUD implementation frameworks around Australia ("WSUD Implementation Framework Discussion Paper" - PDF)
  • A review of barriers to implementation of WSUD around Australia ("WSUD Barriers and Opportunities Discussion Paper" - PDF)

The WSUD strategy for the Darwin Region will be consistent with and work within the context of the existing administrative and legislative framework. Policy developed for the WSUD strategy will complement existing policies and programs relating to stormwater management, catchment management and receiving waterways in the region.

WSUD will be supported in the Darwin Region through appropriate policy and a strong position within the planning framework. The policy and planning framework will:

  • Provide leadership from the Territory government to support the adoption of WSUD
  • Inform and guide strategic land use planning (i.e. structure planning and master planning), infrastructure planning and development assessment decision making

The policy will work with the follow legislative framework in the NT:

  • NT Planning Act and Planning Scheme
  • Local Government Act
  • Water Act
  • Waste Management and Pollution Control Act

A number of options have been examined for incorporating WSUD into NT legislative framework including:

  • Adoption of Strategy within the NT Planning Act
  • Adoption of Principles and Objectives within NT Planning Scheme
  • Incorporation of Guidelines within existing local government development and subdivision guideline

More information on the proposed implementation of WSUD into legislative framework that in the NT can be found in “Recommendation For The Implementation Of Wsud Within Existing Legislation And Policy Framework Discussion Paper” (PDF)

Objectives

Quantitative WSUD objectives are a key component and precursor to the development of a WSUD policy and framework and are an essential element of the development assessment process. It is intended the WSUD objectives will be linked with mandatory legislative and planning controls to ensure that developers seeking development approval must demonstrate to the Territory Government and Local Authorities that their proposed development incorporates WSUD to achieve these objectives.

The WSUD objectives must be clear, consistent and quantifiable and relate to ecosystem protection outcomes that can be readily achieved using best practice design approaches. The WSUD objectives will be related to the regional catchment and receiving water quality assessment being undertaken as part of the Darwin Harbour Water Quality Protection Plan. Draft objectives for each of the three streams of the urban water cycle; stormwater, potable water and wastewater have been developed. The preliminary WSUD objectives will be used by the Northern Territory Government and Local Authorities to encourage the implementation of WSUD on new developments while the final WSUD objectives are established and incorporated into legislation.