Opportunities and Impediments to Water Sensitive Urban Design in Australia

Growing enthusiasm and support for a fundamental change in the way urban water resources are managed has occurred throughout the Australian water industry over the last decade. Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is being promoted as the new approach to sustainable urban development practices that aims to integrate the urban water cycle. This shift in the approach to urban water resource management presents various challenges including issues associated with the current regulatory framework, assessment and costing of management practices, technology and design, and marketing and acceptance of new approaches. A recent national conference was held in Melbourne, Australia to highlight and explore the opportunities and impediments to the adoption of WSUD. Presentations by participants on their practical experience with WSUD projects provided valuable information which will help achieve a better understanding of the current status of WSUD in Australia and the challenges associated with its implementation. Key issues include the current culture and skills within local government, catchment management authorities, and the consulting and construction industry for the assessment, approval, construction and maintenance of WSUD management schemes. There is also a general lack of quantitative data on the long term viability and costs associated with water management schemes and market place acceptance. This paper provides a review of information presented at the conference. The major issues related to the adoption of WSUD in Australia and potential strategies that may help to overcome some of the current obstacles are discussed.