Managing drainage schemes in Melbourne’s growth areas

Why this is important

A drainage scheme is a master plan for drainage in a specific catchment area. It outlines the water infrastructure needed to support urban development and helps makes sure that development meets the appropriate standards for flood protection, water quality and waterway health.

Under drainage schemes, developers must submit plans for essential drainage works and contribute to paying the cost. This contribution can be a:

• non-works offer, where the developer helps pay for drainage works but does not build them itself
• works offer, where Melbourne Water encourages the developer to build drainage works in exchange for reimbursement.

Melbourne Water approves developer drainage plans and confirms that developers meet relevant conditions before the construction of new housing estates can begin.

There is limited information available about the time it takes Melbourne Water to approve drainage plans. The speed of approvals impacts the pace of development and the government's ability to achieve its housing targets, while also ensuring appropriate environment protections.

What we plan to examine

We plan to examine if Melbourne Water’s planning and management of drainage schemes supports timely greenfield development.

Who we plan to examine

Melbourne Water

A selection of local councils