A joint report by the CRC for Low Carbon Living and the CRC for Water Sensitive Cities applies ideas from emerging CRC research and international best practice to the proposed urban renewal site of Fishermans Bend in inner Melbourne, focusing on water services and urban design. The report demonstrates how a water sensitive and low carbon approach can effectively deliver the stakeholders’ vision

The CRCWSC has developed case studies to help build a body of evidence that can support and encourage the adoption of research outcomes.

This discussion paper compiles ideas generated at a workshop hosted by Peet, The Department of Communities and the CRC for Water Sensitive Cities (CRCWSC) on 13 and 14 June 2018. These ideas focus on the Brabham development project in the north east urban growth corridor in Perth (Figure 1).

Water proofing urban parklands using managed aquifer recharge (MAR).

Stormwater harvesting and reuse scheme for a major water user in urban Sydney.

Treated stormwater and native groundwater treated to a standard fit for purpose.

Irrigating airport land for heat reduction benefits.

This research looks at how water sensitive urban design (WSUD) has been adopted in modern statutory planning frameworks and whether current frameworks are sufficient to maximise the uptake of WSUD opportunities in Australia’s cities.

The Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities (CRCWSC) has developed a Water Sensitive Cities (WSC) Index that offers users the ability to benchmark cities (at the metropolitan or municipal scale), based on performance against a range of urban water indicators that characterise the water sensitive city.

This paper by the CRC for Water Sensitive Cities' Think Tank presents Australian examples where water utilities are playing a leadership role in broader city planning, through their advocacy, their whole-of-system perspective and technical excellence, as well as their investment in community engagement and industry capability.