What is Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)?

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is an approach to urban planning and design that integrates the management of the urban water cycle, including stormwater, groundwater, and wastewater, into the built environment. The goal is to minimise the hydrological impact of development and improve water quality outcomes for waterways and the broader environment.

Is WSUD required for my development?

Most developments in Victoria that require a planning permit will have WSUD obligations, either through council ESD policy or through Melbourne Water's developer requirements. Requirements vary by site, catchment, and development type. Ark Resources can advise on the WSUD obligations that apply to your specific project.

What is MUSIC modelling?

MUSIC (Model for Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualisation) is the primary stormwater modelling tool used in Australia to assess and optimise WSUD treatment systems. Ark Resources uses MUSIC to model proposed treatment devices such as bioretention systems, rain gardens, and wetlands, and demonstrate compliance with stormwater quality and retention targets.

What is a Blue Factor (previously STORM) assessment?

Blue Factor (previously STORM) (Stormwater Treatment Optimisation and Reuse Model) is a simplified assessment tool used for smaller developments to demonstrate compliance with stormwater quality targets. It is often accepted by councils as an alternative to full MUSIC modelling for lower-complexity projects. Ark Resources can advise on whether Blue Factor (previously STORM) or MUSIC is more appropriate for your project.

Does Ark Resources work nationally on WSUD projects?

Yes. While Ark Resources has particular depth of experience in Victoria, including with Melbourne Water requirements, our WSUD team delivers stormwater management strategies and water sensitive design advice for projects across New South Wales, Queensland, and nationally.

Water Management

WSUD Consultants

Water Sensitive Urban Design · MUSIC and Blue Factor (previously STORM) modelling · Melbourne Water approved pathways

Our Expertise

Ark Resources & WSUD

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) integrates the management of the urban water cycle into the planning and design of the built environment. It encompasses stormwater quality treatment, retention and reuse, and the creation of urban landscapes that mimic natural water processes, reducing the hydrological impact of development on waterways and the broader environment.

Ark Resources has been delivering WSUD services for over 25 years, working across residential, commercial, mixed-use, and infrastructure projects of all scales. Our team has deep experience in MUSIC stormwater modelling and Blue Factor (previously STORM) assessments, and works regularly with local councils and Melbourne Water to develop practical, cost-effective treatment strategies that satisfy stormwater quality and retention requirements.

From early-stage concept design through to construction documentation and authority approvals, our WSUD specialists provide integrated water management advice that coordinates with ESD, planning, and civil engineering teams. We have an established track record of achieving efficient approval pathways with Melbourne Water and councils across Victoria, and extend these services to projects across New South Wales, Queensland, and nationally.

About WSUD

Water Sensitive Urban Design is a framework for planning and designing the built environment so that water is managed sustainably throughout the urban water cycle. It is required as part of planning approvals across Victoria and is increasingly embedded in planning policies across other Australian states.

Learn about WSUD

What We Deliver

WSUD & Stormwater Services

BESS Stormwater Assessments

BESS stormwater modelling for Victorian planning permit applications, achieving council ESD targets for stormwater quality and quantity retention.

Blue Factor (previously STORM) Modelling

Blue Factor (previously STORM) calculations for smaller residential and commercial developments meeting stormwater quality targets under simplified Victorian planning requirements.

MUSIC Catchment Modelling

Detailed MUSIC modelling for large or complex sites requiring catchment-level stormwater quality and quantity assessment for development approval.

Rainwater Harvesting Design

Sizing and specification of rainwater harvesting tanks and reuse systems for toilet flushing, irrigation and cooling tower make-up to satisfy council WSUD targets.

Green Infrastructure Integration

Integration of bioretention systems, rain gardens, green roofs, swales and permeable paving into WSUD strategies that meet both planning and ESD requirements.

WSUD Strategy Reports

Preparation of WSUD strategy reports for planning permit applications, demonstrating stormwater management compliance with council policy and statutory requirements.

Common Questions

WSUD FAQs

What is WSUD and why is it required?

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is an approach to managing stormwater, water supply and wastewater in a way that protects natural water cycles and improves water quality. Victorian councils require WSUD assessments (typically via BESS, Blue Factor (previously STORM) or MUSIC modelling) to demonstrate that developments meet stormwater quality and quantity targets as a condition of planning permits.

What is the difference between BESS, Blue Factor (previously STORM) and MUSIC?

BESS, Blue Factor (previously STORM) and MUSIC are different modelling tools used to assess stormwater management compliance. BESS is the most commonly used tool for planning permit applications in Melbourne. Blue Factor (previously STORM) is a simpler tool used for smaller developments. MUSIC is a more detailed hydraulic modelling tool used for complex sites or where council requires higher accuracy. Ark Resources can advise on the appropriate tool for your project.

Do all developments need a WSUD report?

Most medium to large developments in Victoria require some form of WSUD assessment as a planning permit condition. The specific requirement depends on your council's planning scheme and the scale of your development. Ark Resources can confirm what your project needs based on council requirements and your development type.

How does WSUD relate to green infrastructure?

WSUD and green infrastructure are closely linked. Features such as rainwater harvesting tanks, permeable paving, bioretention systems, green roofs and swales serve dual purposes: they improve stormwater management (WSUD) and provide urban greening benefits. Ark Resources integrates WSUD and green infrastructure recommendations to maximise outcomes for both compliance and sustainability.

Can Ark Resources prepare a WSUD report for regional Victoria projects?

Yes. Ark Resources prepares WSUD assessments for projects across Victoria, including regional councils. Requirements vary by council and planning scheme, so contact us to confirm what's required for your location.

Get in Touch

Our WSUD Team

Our WSUD specialists have over 25 years of experience delivering stormwater management strategies and water sensitive design advice across Victoria and nationally.

Leonie Dixon

GM / Senior ESD Advisor

Email Leonie

Helen Maas

ESD Advisor

Email Helen

Margaret Turner

Senior WSUD/ESD Engineer

Email Margaret

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Ark Resources has been delivering WSUD and stormwater management strategies for over 25 years. Get in touch to discuss your project's water management requirements.