Sustainable Water Management Plan - Nillumbik Shire Council

Sustainable 

Water Management Plan 

Sustainable Water Management Plan

Contents 

Executive Summary 3 

Introduction 5 

Section 1: Strategic Framework 7 

Council Plan 8 

Sustainable Water Management Plan Vision 9 

Implementation Framework 10 

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting 10 

Implementation 10 

Section 2: Action Plans 11 

Action Plans 11 

Theme 1: Water conservation 12 

Background 12 

Water consumption (corporate) 15 

Water consumption (community) 18 

Theme 2: Stormwater quality 29 

Background 29 

Appendix A 47 

Appendix B 48 

Appendix C 48 

Appendix D 49 

Appendix E 54 

Appendix F 57 

Appendix G 61 

Appendix H 62 

Appendix I 63 

Glossary 64 

References 66 

Front cover: Staff at the Diamond Valley Garden Centre – 

an accredited Sustainable Gardening Australia nursery. 

Executive Summary 

The purpose of the Sustainable Water Management 

Plan is to provide a strategic direction for improved 

water management throughout Council operations 

and the Nillumbik community. The most significant 

outcomes of this Plan are Council’s water reduction 

targets for both corporate operations and within the 

community. Council aims to achieve a 45% reduction 

in reticulated water use (from 2000-2001 levels) 

by 2010-2011 and is working towards achieving 

a community water reduction target of 25% (from 

2000-2001 levels) by 2010-2011. Since 2000, 

Council has already achieved a 35% reduction in its 

own water use, while the community has achieved a 

20% reduction. Council will work towards completing 

actions detailed in this Plan to ensure that set targets 

are met. 

The Nillumbik Sustainable Water Management Plan 

comprises of two sections (refer to Figure 1 – 

page 6): Section 1 outlines the strategic framework 

of the Plan and the overall vision and implementation 

framework, including the monitoring and review 

process. Section 2 details action plans for water 

conservation and stormwater quality. The Action 

Plans are divided into three categories; corporate, 

community and catchment. For each of these, a brief 

synopsis is provided and a goal and key objectives 

set. Water management indicators have also been 

developed to monitor progress. 

The Plan details Council’s commitment to reducing 

impacts on stormwater, both in its own operations 

and within the community. This will be done by 

undertaking actions that will lead to significant 

ongoing stormwater improvements. The stormwater 

improvement target set by Council is quantified and 

expressed as a point-based system, with points 

assigned to each action by the International Council 

for Local Environmental Initiatives – Australia/New 

Zealand (ICLEI-A/NZ). Council will implement 

actions to achieve 60 points in stormwater 

improvements within its own operations and the 

community. 

The Plan aims to improve Council’s sustainable 

water management practices through: 

• education and behaviour change programs 

within Council and the community 

• phased retrofit of Council buildings with water 

efficient devices 

• staged implementation of water efficient 

practices in open space management 

• the strategic development and implementation 

of guidelines and strategies that support water 

conservation and water quality improvement. 

Council’s improvements and advancements in water 

management over previous years provide a solid 

foundation to progress with innovative programs to 

deliver significant sustainable water management 

outcomes. 

Council has already undertaken many actions to 

reduce water consumption in its own operations and 

within the community. These actions have been 

undertaken since 2000-2001 and associated savings 

have been incorporated during the development of 

the target. These actions include: 

 

Sustainable Water Management Plan 


Introduction 

“Water is essential to the success of our economy, the health of our environment and the 

wellbeing of our society. Water will remain essential to the wellbeing of our children 

and their society.” 1 

Council operation actions 

• no irrigation of parkland 

• use of indigenous plant species in new 

amenity plantings 

• water conservation audits completed on five 

Council buildings 

• rain sensors and electronic irrigation system 

installed at Edendale Farm Community 

Environment Centre 

• rainwater tank installed at North Warrandyte 

Pre-school for use in toilet flushing 

• rainwater tank installed at Edendale Farm 

Community Environment Centre for use in 

toilet flushing 

• drought-tolerant grass species installed on all 

fairways at Yarrambat Golf Course 

• reuse of pool and dam water in road grading 

operations and review of grading operations 

• conduct regular irrigation system audits and 

maintenance 

• connection of backwash system from Diamond 

Creek Swimming Pool to sewer 

• Water Sensitive Urban Design features 

incorporated into the Henry Arthur Estate, 

the new Eltham Leisure Centre carpark and 

planning for the Eltham Circulatory Road 

• warm season grasses installed at the Ben 

Frilay Oval, Hurstbridge 

• completion of works at Central Oval, Eltham 

including subsurface drip irrigation and warm 

season grasses 

• Water Management Plan completed for 

Yarrambat Park Golf Course 

• completion of wetlands at Challenger Street 

Reserve 

• installation of gross pollutant traps in Eltham 

Industrial area 

Community actions 

• hosting GreenGardeners program 

• Nillumbik’s Environmental Workshop program 

• Business Streams program – stormwater 

education for local businesses 

• Edendale Farm Community Environment 

Centre’s school education program featuring 

water conservation and water quality themes 

• provision of support for the WaterSmart 

Schools program 

• Sustainable Gardening Awards 

• support for the School Audit program 

• community waterwise garden at Edendale 

Farm Community Environment Centre 

• introduction of pay-for-use systems on 

standpipes 

• Federal and State Government funding to 

community organisations and schools for 

watersaving projects. 

Acknowledgements 

Nillumbik Shire Council would like to acknowledge and thank 

Melbourne Water, International Council for Local Environmental 

Initiatives – Australia/New Zealand (ICLEI-A/NZ) and Yarra Valley 

Water for their assistance in the development of this Plan. 

Thank you to Sarah Eggleton of SJE Water Management for 

her assistance in the development of the Sustainable Water 

Management Plan. The Environment Advisory Committee also 

provided valuable input into the development of the Plan. 

Thank you also to the community members and staff within 

Council who have contributed to the Plan. 

Located less than 25 kilometres from Melbourne’s 

central business district, the Shire of Nillumbik forms 

part of a north-eastern metropolitan Green Wedge: 

bounded by the Yarra River to the south, Plenty 

River to the west and the Kinglake Ranges to the 

north. In 2004, Council strengthened its commitment 

to sustainability by joining the Melbourne Water 

facilitated Sustainable Water Management 

Plan program and the ICLEI Water Campaign TM 

program. Both programs build capacity within local 

governments to reduce water usage and promote 

water conservation to the wider community. The 

ICLEI Water CampaignTM also incorporates water 

quality improvement actions for internal Council 

procedures and within the community. 

Council has a significant influence on water 

consumption within the Shire, as both a water user 

and community and business leader. Council’s core 

functions traditionally consume large amounts of 

water annually. These functions include the operation 

of Council buildings, irrigation of sports grounds, 

open space and established public gardens; road 

grading; operation of aquatic centres; and truck 

washdown associated with waste collection. Council 

is in a good position to lead by example with regard 

to water conservation by facilitating community 

involvement and education, and promoting 

sustainable water management. 

Graph 1: Water use within Nillumbik 2000-2001 

Non-residential 

9% 

Residential 

88% 

(Data Source: Yarra Valley Water) 

Council 3% 

The reticulated water demand across the Shire 

during the base year of 2000-2001 was 6,433,281 

kilolitres. Graph 1 shows that Council uses 3% of 

the total water consumed in Nillumbik annually with 

non-residential using 9% and 88% being used for 

residential purposes. Water usage within residential 

areas of the community is above the Melbourne 

average, even when taking into account the larger 

household sizes. 

In order to provide a strategic direction for improved 

water management throughout Council’s operations 

and the wider community, Council has prepared the 

Sustainable Water Management Plan. 

The Plan aims to: 

• undertake an assessment of water 

consumption in Council facilities 

• undertake a water demand assessment of 

consumption in residential and non-residential 

properties 

• continue to monitor stormwater quality issues 

in the Shire 

• establish a target to reduce water 

consumption for Council’s operations and 

the community 

• establish a target for stormwater quality 

in the Shire 

• develop an action plan that provides strategic 

direction for reducing water use and improving 

stormwater quality 

• build a coordinated and integrated approach 

to water management across Council groups 

and relevant state agencies. 


is a major environmental sustainability document of 

Council and is designed to implement the vision and 

water management goals of the Council Plan 2007- 

2011. The principles outlined in the Plan are aimed 

at protecting and enhancing the environment and 

promoting the principles of ecologically sustainable 

development (ESD). 

1 

Securing Our Water Future: Green Paper for Discussion. (2003) p12 

Sustainable Water Management Plan Sustainable Water Management Plan

Sustainable Water Management Plan Framework 

Section 1: Strategic Framework 


comprises of two sections (refer to Figure 1): 

Section 1: Strategic Framework sets out 

the overall vision and an implementation framework 

that includes a monitoring and review process. 

Section 2: Action Plans discusses water 

management in two themes. Water conservation and 

stormwater quality are the two themes discussed 

in the Action Plan. The themes are divided into 

three category areas; corporate, community and 

catchment. For each of the themes a brief synopsis 

is provided and a goal and key objectives set. Water 

management indicators have also been developed 

to monitor our progress. Section 2 also comprises 

Action Plans that are designed to ensure effective 

Implementation of the Management Plan. These 

Action Plans outline and prioritise key tasks and 

identify which sections of Council and other agencies 

are involved. 

Major regional, state, national and international water 

agreements, legislation, strategies and plans are 

discussed in Appendix E. 

Figure 1: Nillumbik Sustainable Water 

Management Plan 

Section 1 – Strategic Framework 

Sustainable Water Management Vision 

Strategy Framework 

Implentation Framework 

Section 2 – Themes 

Themes 

Water Conservation 

Stormwater Quality 

Background 

Goal and Objectives 

Performance Indicators and Targets 

Action Plans 


builds on existing strategies and plans (refer to 

Appendix E) including the Council Plan, the Nillumbik 

Environment Strategy and the Nillumbik Stormwater 

Management Plan and ensures future strategies, 

plans and actions of Council are consistent with 

its overall goals and objectives. The Plan will also 

ensure Council’s legislative obligations relating to 

water matters are met. 

The Plan meets the requirements of the International 

Council for Local Environment Initiatives’ (ICLEI) 

Water Campaign TM which Council joined in 

2004. The Water Campaign TM encourages local 

governments to work in partnership with their water 

retailer to reduce water consumption and improve 

stormwater quality in their own operations and within 

the community. The Water Campaign TM is based on a 

framework of five performance based milestones. 

1. inventory of water consumption and water 

quality management 

2. setting of goals for water conservation and 

water quality 

3. development of a Local Water Action Plan 

4. implementation and measurement of the Local 

Water Action Plan 

5. monitoring, reviewing and reporting on 

implemented actions 

These milestones are to be achieved in each of the 

following categories: 

1. corporate 

2. community 

3. catchment 

The Plan fulfils Council’s obligations as part of the 

Yarra Valley Water’s Sustainable Water Use Plan 

(SWUP) program. This program complements the 

ICLEI Water Campaign TM , enabling Council to lead 

by example when it comes to promoting water 

conservation in the community. The SWUP program 

provided funding to assist in the development of 

this Plan. 

The Plan has been developed following consultation 

with key stakeholders. The consultation process has 

included participation by: 

• the Environment Advisory Committee 

• the Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee 

• Yarra Valley Water 

• Melbourne Water 

• International Council for Local Environmental 

Initiatives. 

Implementation of the Plan will involve further 

consultation with key stakeholders to develop strong 

partnerships in the delivery of sustainable water 

management initiatives. 


Council Plan 

Sustainable Water Management Plan Vision 


is guided by the vision, strategic objectives and 

strategies that have been outlined in the Council 

Plan 2007-2011. 

Vision 

Council’s vision for the Shire of Nillumbik is 

characterised by: 

• engaged, healthy and culturally vibrant 

communities with strong attachments to their 

local areas and to Nillumbik as a whole 

• strong environmental values and outcomes 

which conserve what is important about 

Nillumbik and deliver a sustainable Green 

Wedge 

• well-managed community assets which meet 

peoples’ needs 

• an economic base that delivers prosperity 

to Nillumbik and allows its council to deliver 

required outcomes. 

3.2 Open space 

Maintain and develop open spaces including 

parks, reserves, roadsides and recreational 

trails which meet the needs of the community 

now and into the future and demonstrate 

environmental best practice. 

3.3 Community facilities and buildings 

Manage and maintain the upgrade, 

renewal and expansion of community and 

recreational facilities and assets to meet 

current and future needs while ensuring 

ecologically sustainable best practice. 

4.1 Good governance and community 

engagement 

Continue to improve decision-making 

processes which are democratic, policy 

based and allow our community to 

participate. 

4.2 Partnerships 

Strengthen existing relationships and create 

new partnerships to maximise Council’s 

potential for responding to community issues. 

Influence 

Council will have a positive influence in the 

community, particularly in terms of environmental 

management. Council is committed to leading the 

way in sustainable environmental management. 

As major purchasers of goods and services, Council 

will influence industry by including water efficiency 

as a criteria when making purchases. 

Leadership 

Council will lead by example and demonstrate 

to the community and industry a proactive approach 

to sustainable water management. 

Advocacy 

Council will advocate for better broad scale benefits 

and consistency in water conservation ensuring that 

new projects such as sewer mining, local treatment 

systems, regional approaches to water treatment 

and reuse provide sustainable strategic outcomes. 

Awareness and education 

Council will work in partnership with Yarra Valley 

Water and Melbourne Water to establish, develop 

and facilitate distribution of education material 

and information relating to sustainable water 

management. Community workshops, industry 

forums and public education campaigns will provide 

effective opportunities for Council to facilitate 

community education to better manage and use 

water resources. 

Planning 

Council will play a significant role in new commercial 

and residential developments. Under state and 

local planning provisions, Council will seek Water 

Sensitive Urban Designs for new subdivisions and 

industrial estates. Council officers will work closely 

with developers and environment agencies to ensure 

that new developments embrace sustainable 

water use. 

Strategic Objectives 

1.2 Resource conservation 

Practice and encourage the sustainable 

management of resources (air, water, 

energy), to reduce waste and pollution 

including carbon emissions/ greenhouse 

gasses and enhance biodiversity. 

4.6 Statutory requirements 

Ensure we meet our statutory requirements 

and identify opportunities to improve these 

processes. 


Implementation 

Framework 

The following Framework will ensure the Plan is 

relevant and effective in delivering positive water 

conservation and stormwater quality outcomes. 

Review and further development 

The Plan will be subject to a comprehensive review 

every three years. The first review will be conducted 

in 2010. Action Plans will be reviewed annually in 

line with the budgetary process. 

Performance indicators 

A number of key water management performance 

indicators that are linked to specific objectives have 

been developed for each theme. These indicators 

will assist in measuring the success of water saving 

actions. 

Monitoring, evaluation 

and reporting 

It is essential that the Plan be monitored and 

reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the objectives 

and actions reflect Council’s intentions and are being 

implemented. Progress in implementing the Plan will 

be reported at the end of each financial year as a 

part of an annual reporting process. 

The review process will involve: 

• an annual water consumption audit of Council 

facilities by the Environmental Planning Unit, 

reporting to the community and Council 

• undertaking an annual report addressing water 

consumption 

• a review of indicators and their effectiveness 

in 12 months and every three years thereafter 

• an annual review of the Action Plans including 

project implementation and assessment 

• a comprehensive review of the Sustainable 

Water Management Plan in four years in 

consultation with water retailers, Melbourne 

Water and ICLEI A/NZ. 

Implementation 

The Environment Coordination Group and the 

Environment Advisory Committee will be responsible 

for overseeing the implementation of the Plan. This 

is designed to ensure that water management is 

considered in all Council operations. 

The Environment Advisory Committee consists of 

community representatives. The purpose of the 

Committee is to advise on key environmental issues. 

The Committee meets monthly. 

The Environment Coordination Group is an internal 

cross-functional working group. The purpose of the 

Group is to ensure environmental issues are taken 

into account in all Council operations. 

Section 2: Action Plans 

Section 2 outlines the two themes of the Nillumbik 

Sustainable Water Management Plan. Each theme 

includes: 

• background information outlining the key water 

issues 

• a goal and associated objectives 

• water management performance indicators 

• targets for the future 

• Actions Plans. 

The Action Plans are designed to ensure effective 

implementation of the Plan, and will involve the 

community, Council and external organisations. All 

actions will be reviewed regularly and revised where 

necessary. 

Action Plans 

Each theme’s Action Plan has the following 

headings. 

Number (No.) 

Refers to the objective and action number. 

Action 

Each action has been separated into Council and 

community actions. The stormwater quality theme 

actions relate to: 

• sediment and erosion control 

• gross litter and pollution management 

• nutrient management 

• swimming pools 

Priority 

Refers to the timing of actions. Ongoing status refers 

to reoccurring projects and programs. 

Responsibility 

Refers to the Section/Unit of Council and external 

organisations involved in undertaking the action. 

The following abbreviations have been used within 

the Responsibility column of the Action Plans. 

Internal Sections/Units of Council 

EP Environmental Planning 

ESP Environment & Strategic Planning 

ID Infrastructure Development 

PBS Planning and Building Services 

PH Public Health 

ML Municipal Laws 

IM Infrastructure Maintenance 

SP Strategic Planning 

LS Leisure Services 

IT Information Technology 

MP Major Projects and Business Services 

HR Human Resources 

Other organisations 

FG Federal Government 

MW Melbourne Water 

YVW Yarra Valley Water 

DSE Department of Sustainability 

and Environment 

SGA Sustainable Gardening Australia 

• wastewater management and 

• other. 

10 Sustainable Water Management Plan Sustainable Water Management Plan

Theme 1: Water conservation 

Background 

Although Australia is the driest inhabited continent 

on earth, it also has one of the highest rates of water 

use per capita in the world. In order to preserve a 

sustainable supply of good quality drinking water for 

future generations, we need to change our current 

patterns of consumption by using water more 

efficiently and building an ethic of water conservation 

throughout the community. 

Melbourne has been experiencing drought since 

1998 and changes in weather pattern forecasts 

predict warmer temperatures, increases in 

evaporation rates and lower rainfall averages. While 

there is still uncertainty as to the specific implications 

of global warming on regional rainfall, it is likely that 

Victoria will have less water available for future uses. 

Melbourne has experienced Stage 1, 2, 3 and 3a 

water restrictions and permanent water saving 

measures are now mandatory. For the first time ever, 

Melburnians are not able to use water in the same 

capacity as they have previously done. Without 

further water conservation measures, Melbourne 

could experience a water supply shortfall within the 

next 15 years. 3 If the most severe climate change 

scenarios occur, this shortfall could happen even 

sooner. Although this does not mean Melbourne will 

run out of water, the supply would be diminished and 

the frequency or severity of water restrictions would 

increase. The Victorian government has introduced 

a target to reduce Victoria’s potable water use by 

15% by 2010, and has stated that building a new 

dam to increase Melbourne’s water supply is not 

a sustainable solution. The importance of using 

water efficiently is vital if Melbourne’s supply is to be 

reliable for future generations. At the time of writing 

this Plan, Melbourne’s water storages were at a 

capacity of 40.3%. 5 

A wide range of water conservation options are 

available to Council and the community. There 

are both financial and environmental benefits from 

using water efficiently. Education plays an important 

role in assisting the implementation of Council’s 

Sustainable Water Management Plan. Promotion 

of water saving devices and appliances will bring 

water conservation to the forefront for Council, the 

community and contractors. It is also important that 

the community is informed of Council’s work to 

improve water conservation across Council facilities. 

The community should be aware of Councils’ water 

consumption reduction goal and progress toward 

achieving it. A Council that practices smart water use 

in its daily activities will then provide a solid basis on 

which to promote water conservation to the broader 

community. 

Water conservation initiatives that are 

considered in the Plan include: 

Water efficient appliances 

Upgrading, replacing and/or retrofitting existing 

Council facilities. Water efficient appliances that will 

be considered include: 

• dual flush toilets 

• flow control valves 

• AAA (or higher) rated showerheads 

• AAA (or higher) rated dishwashers 

• sensor switches 

• waterless urinals 

• spring-loaded taps 

• rainwater tanks. 

Rainwater harvesting and reuse 

To make better use of stormwater, rainwater tanks 

can capture and store runoff as a substitute for 

potable water supply where alternative water supply 

alternatives are appropriate for toilet flushing and 

irrigation. 

Stormwater harvesting and reuse 

Stormwater harvesting directly from stormwater 

drains for capture in tanks, is often appropriate 

for water intensive applications such as irrigation 

of sports grounds, where buildings are not 

appropriately located for rainwater harvesting. 

Greywater reuse 

Wastewater can be captured and reused for 

gardening or toilet flushing. As greywater is not 

suitable for direct human contact, care must be taken 

to ensure that this water does not contaminate the 

potable water supply or impact on the environment. 

Blackwater 

Sewage treated to an appropriate standard may be 

used in a range of applications. Sewer mains that 

run through the Shire of Nillumbik carry large and 

reliable water flows that can be used for non-drinking 

purposes. The use of recycled water has the dual 

benefit of reducing both potable water demand and 

the amount of discharge of treated effluent. This 

process is also known as sewer mining. 

Water sensitive urban design 

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is a 

sustainable approach that seeks to ensure 

developments are carefully designed, constructed 

and maintained to minimise impact on the natural 

environment. 

WSUD aims to: 

• protect natural systems 

• integrate stormwater treatment into the 

landscape 

• protect water quality 

• reduce runoff and peak flows. 

Rainwater tanks form an important element of 

WSUD and water conservation, with the tanks acting 

as small retention basins in times of heavy rain, 

while providing reuse options for activities such as 

toilet flushing and irrigation. 

Goals 

Monitoring of Council’s progress will be against the 

2000-2001 consumption level of 186,958 kilolitres 

of water. 

Council’s Operations Centre actions are highly 

dependant on rainfall and therefore it is expected 

there will be annual variations in water consumption. 

However, through the retrofitting and upgrade 

program, Council is confident that it can reduce its 

total water use by 45% from 2000-2001 levels by 

2010-2011. This will result in a potential saving of 

84,130 kilolitres of water. 

Council’s goals for water consumption: 

Council goal 

To reduce Nillumbik Shire Council’s water 

consumption by 45% from 2000-2001 levels by 

2010-2011. 

Community goal 

To reduce the Shire of Nillumbik’s community water 

consumption by 25% from 2000-2001 levels by 

2010-2011. 

These goals will be reviewed by Council every three 

years. 

Strategic Objectives 

1. To be a leader in sustainable water 

management. 

2. To reduce water use and encourage 

water efficiency in all Council operations, 

households, businesses and schools. 

3. To continue to work in partnership with water 

retailers to develop water conservation 

programs. 

4. To increase the awareness and understanding 

of sustainable water use principles and 

practices. 

5. To actively seek funding for water saving 

programs and devices. 

6. To monitor and annually report on Council and 

the community’s water consumption levels. 

3 

Draft Water Supply-Demand Strategy for Melbourne 2006-2055 pg 1 

5 

www.melbournewater.com.au 7 November 2007 


Indicators 

Water conservation performance indicators and targets have been set to measure the success of each 

initiative. Each indicator is directly linked to an objective, and targets have been set for 2010-2011. In order to 

measure the success of actions, Council will benchmark data annually against baseline data to illustrate the 

progress made in reducing water demand. 

The indicators and targets for Theme 1: Water conservation are as follows: 

Indicators Target for 2010-2011 

Reduction in annual water consumption (kL) Council – 45% decrease from 2000-2001 

consumption rate 

Community – 25% decrease from 2000-2001 

consumption rate 

Amount of water reused annually (kL) 

Uptake of rainwater harvesting opportunities (kL) 

Amount of AAA rated water appliances installed 

Amount of education and awareness raising 

materials available to staff and the community 

Base year 

The year 2000-2001 was selected as the base year 

for water consumption figures as it is the earliest 

year that a reliable set of data was available to 

Council, showing ‘business as usual’ without water 

restrictions or permanent water saving rules. The 

baseline data highlights the relative reticulated water 

demand across Council’s assets and operations. 

When comparing rainfall over the past five years, 

the base year was the wettest and therefore it is 

assumed that any reduction in water use over the 

following drier years is due to water saving initiatives 

Council has undertaken and influence from staged 

water restrictions. 

Rainfall 

In response to low annual rainfall, Council and the 

community may need to increase irrigation rates for 

the maintenance of playing surfaces. It is therefore 

expected that lower rainfall could lead to Council and 

the community consuming more water. 

Table 1: Average annual rainfall in Nillumbik 

Increase 

Increase 

Increase 

Increase 

As rainfall and climate variations affect water 

consumption, it is important to set long term targets 

to absorb these annual variations. Rainfall data for 

the past six years reflects the current drought and 

is not intended to reflect climate change, which 

requires longer-term analysis and consideration. 

Future Council water consumption 

If no water saving actions are undertaken, Council’s 

future water consumption may slightly increase due 

to the acquisition of water consuming operations, 

such as installation of additional irrigation systems or 

establishment of new open space. The development 

or upgrade of Council owned buildings may also 

increase water consumption during construction 

and operation. However, it is expected all future 

developments will include water efficient features 

resulting in reduced water demand over time. 

Projected population growth from 2006 to 2011 is 

anticipated to be approximately 3%. 6 This slight 

increase in population is not expected to have a 

significant impact on Council’s services that would 

result in increased water use. 

2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 

771.1 mm 630.4 mm 424.4 mm 683.6 mm 789.6 mm 716.5 mm 

Rainfall monitoring stations located at Yan Yean and Warrandyte (Source: Bureau of Meteorology) 

Water consumption (corporate) 

A reticulated water consumption inventory was 

undertaken for all of Council’s facilities for the 

financial years 2000-2001 to 2005-2006. (See 

Appendix A) Reticulated water consumption data 

was provided by Yarra Valley Water. 

The results from this inventory have provided the 

strategic direction for the development of the Plan. 

This data provides Council with an understanding 

of the many issues surrounding reticulated water 

use within its own operations and throughout 

the community, and highlights the importance of 

comprehensive data and information management. 

The inventory did not consider other water supplies 

such as creek water, bore water, recycled water, 

rainwater or greywater. 

Over the past five years, Council has achieved a 

35% reduction in its water use. This reduction can be 

attributed to a range of water saving initiatives which 

have been implemented by Council and through the 

introduction of mandatory water restrictions. 

Determining water demand 

A water consumption inventory for Council’s 

operations was completed in 2005. The data has 

been categorised according to ICLEI property types 

to allow for ease in comparison of usage between 

Council-owned facilities and properties (Appendix 

C). This data allows Council to easily determine 

its highest water-using facilities and where water 

efficiency measures can be best implemented. 

The inventory of Council’s water consumption 

highlights that Council has significantly decreased 

its reticulated water consumption over the past 

five years by a total of 64,003 kilolitres or 35% 

(Graph 2). The reduction over the past several 

years can be attributed to the introduction of staged 

water restrictions (November 2001) and Councilfunded 

initiatives to reduce water use such as the 

installation of warm season grass species on some 

playing fields and a reduction in the area of irrigated 

open space (Appendix D). 

Graph 2: Council’s annual water consumption 

and costs vs rainfall 

Consumption (kL) and cost 

250000 

200000 

150000 

100000 

5000 

0 

Council’s annual water use and costs vs rainfall 

2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 

consumption cost rainfall 

(Data Source: Yarra Valley Water and Bureau of Meteorology) 

Graph 2 details Council’s water use and associated 

costs over the past five years in comparison to 

annual rainfall. With the exception of 2000-2001, the 

graph clearly shows the relationship between annual 

rainfall and water usage rates. As expected, there 

is a relationship between low annual rainfall and 

increased irrigation. 

900 

800 

700 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

Rainfall (mm) 

6 

Nillumbik Shire Council – Council Plan 2007-2011 


Graph 3: Council’s annual water consumption by facility type 

250000 

200000 

Council’s annual water consumption by facility type 

2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 

Consumption (kL) 

150000 

100000 

5000 

Refer to graph 4 

0 

Water restrictions commenced in November 2001. 

The impact of restrictions on Council’s annual water 

consumption is seen in the years 2001-2002 and 

2004-2005 as consumption is lower than 2000-2001 

even though annual rainfall was lower. A very dry 

year in 2002-2003 resulted in an increase in water 

use. This is likely to be due to increased playing field 

maintenance. 

Water demand decreases over the past five years 

have occurred mainly in the areas of sports grounds, 

swimming pools and recreation centres, which are 

traditionally Council’s highest water consumers 

(Graph 3). 

Graph 4: Annual water consumption at 

sportsgrounds vs rainfall 

Consumption (kL) 

160000 

140000 

120000 

100000 

8000 

6000 

4000 

2000 

0 

Administration 

Buildings 

sportsground 

(Source: Yarra Valley Water) 

Child Care Centres 

Annual consumption at sportsgrounds vs rainfall 

rainfall 

Community Centres 

Cultural buildings 

2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 

Depots 

900 

800 

700 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

Rainfall (mm) 

Toilets 

Miscellaneous 

Nurseries 

Open Space 

Sportsgrounds 

Recreation Centres 

Graphs 3 and 4 indicate that the majority of Council’s 

water use occurs in sportsgrounds, swimming pools 

and recreation centres. Sportsgrounds are by far 

Council’s most significant water consumer, and have 

not been included in Graph 3, purely because the 

scale leaves trends in consumption at other facilities 

undetectable. 

The increased water consumption in 2002-2003 was 

due to course improvement works on six fairways at 

the Yarrambat Golf Course. These works required 

watering in of the new couch fairways. 

Sportsgrounds 

Sportsgrounds are Council’s highest water user, they 

were responsible for 55% of Council’s water use in 

2000-2001. Water use on Council’s sportsgrounds 

has decreased by 35,068 kilolitres or 33% over the 

past five years. Water required on sportsgrounds, 

and other open space areas, is dependant on rainfall 

and other climatic conditions. During the past five 

years, the annual rainfall dropped from 771 mm 

in 2000-2001 to 716.5mm in 2005-2006, which 

increased Council’s reliance on reticulated water 

for irrigation. 

In response to drought conditions, staged water 

restrictions were introduced in 2001 by the Victorian 

government. The impact of these restrictions on 

water consumption is shown clearly in Graph 3, with 

water consumption levels staying well below 2000- 

2001 levels for the following years. 

Residences 

Shopping Centres 

Swiiming Pools 

Significant water savings can be made through 

changes in irrigation practices, plant selection 

and the use of alternative water sources such as 

harvested stormwater. 

The installation of warm season grasses at the Ben 

Frilay playing field in Hurstbridge in 2006 will have 

a significant impact on reducing Council’s water use 

in this area. In addition, fairways at the Yarrambat 

Golf Course have been replaced over a three year 

program with warm season grass species. 

The WaterSmart project is a significant project for 

sportsgrounds in Nillumbik. The project targets four 

playing fields and pavilions: 

• Coventry Oval, Diamond Creek 

• Eltham Central Oval 

• Eltham North Reserve Soccer Oval 

• Eltham North Oval. 

The WaterSmart initiative involves five main 

components: 

• sportsground redevelopment 

• stormwater and rainwater harvesting 

• demonstration project/shared learning 

• improved ground management 

• promotion of water saving initiatives. 

The project is expected to reduce potable water 

consumption by 11.85 megalitres per year. 

Swimming pools 

Swimming pools are Council’s second highest water 

user, consuming approximately 11% of Council’s 

water use in 2000-2001. Maintenance of the pools 

through backwashing and make-up water is the main 

water usage at these facilities. Water use in pools 

has decreased from 21,662 kilolitres in 2000-2001 to 

16,928 kilolitres in 2005-2006, or 22% over the past 

five years, although use has increased over the past 

three years. 

Swimming pool facilities include the Diamond Creek 

Outdoor Swimming Pool and Eltham Leisure Centre. 

Significant water savings at Diamond Creek and 

Eltham Leisure Centre swimming pools have been 

made through changes in cleaning practices, pool 

maintenance procedures and the use of alternative 

water sources such as harvested rainwater. 

Recreation centres 

Recreation centres are Council’s third highest water 

using facility. Water usage in these facilities generally 

occurs in the showers, toilets, kitchen and bar areas. 

Recreation centres were responsible for 8% of 

Council’s water usage in 2000-2001. Water use in 

these facilities has decreased by 3,565 kilolitres or 

22% over the past five years. Buildings included are 

sports pavilions, bowling club rooms and sporting 

complexes. 

Significant water savings in recreation centres can 

be made through the installation of water saving 

appliances such as showerheads, AAA tap fittings, 

dual flush toilets, waterless urinals and the use 

of alternative water sources such as harvested 

rainwater for toilet flushing. 


Water consumption (community) 

Table 3: Average annual non-residential water consumption per property 

Yarra Valley Water has provided reticulated 

community water consumption data for the 

residential and non-residential sectors within the 

Shire from 2000-2005. The community water data 

was provided collectively and catergorised by 

suburb. (See Tables 2 and 3) 

Water consumption data was supplied for 17,828 

private dwellings (of which 1500 are classified as 

units or flats). This equates to 93% of households 

(a total of 19,250 private dwellings exist within the 

Shire) being connected to the reticulated water 

supply. As such, approximately 7% of households 

in the Shire rely on other resources (e.g. rainwater, 

bore water) for their water supply. 

Non-residential properties include retail and 

industrial businesses and agricultural enterprises. 

A total of 964 properties in the Shire are included in 

this sector. 

2000-2001 

kL/Prop 

2001-2002 

kL/Prop 

2002-2003 

kL/Prop 

2003-2004 

kL/Prop 

Suburb Target for 2010-2011 

2004-2005 

kL/Prop 

2005-2006 

kL/Prop 

Greensborough 2012 1003 1043 1187 1439 1159 -42.4 

Diamond Creek 611 549 566 486 482 454 -25.7 

Change from 

2000-2001 (%) 

Table 2: Average annual residential water consumption per property 

Plenty 1684 1117 1092 1136 1058 1231 -26.9 

Yarrambat 2136 1299 2091 1033 926 924 -56.7 

Eltham 676 578 639 492 474 496 -26.6 

2000-2001 

kL/Prop 

2001-2002 

kL/Prop 

2002-2003 

kL/Prop 

2003-2004 

kL/Prop 

2004-2005 

kL/Prop 

2005-2006 

kL/Prop 

Change from 

2000-2001 (%) 

Wattle Glen 640 470 412 522 497 652 1.9 

Kangaroo Ground 1824 1050 1765 1572 1421 945 -48.2 

Arthurs Creek/Hurstbridge 304 377 424 363 236 460 54.3 

Suburb Target for 2010-2011 

Greensborough 310 283 284 266 253 255 -17.7 

Diamond Creek 302 270 286 251 240 242 -19.9 

Plenty 447 381 433 377 352 350 -21.7 

Yarrambat 476 388 423 371 331 364 -23.5 

Doreen 947 677 673 585 503 1423 50.3 

Yan Yean 418 335 415 449 372 0 0 

Panton Hill 2809 1010 749 543 570 805 -71.3 

St Andrews 339 213 186 156 144 169 -50.1 

Warrandyte 529 608 504 284 332 352 -33.4 

Eltham 347 296 319 277 258 262 -24.5 

Wattle Glen 326 287 313 275 254 264 -19.0 

Kangaroo Ground 592 432 551 419 377 404 -31.8 

Arthurs Creek/Hurstbridge 304 266 289 259 236 240 -21.1 

Doreen 610 506 589 554 454 467 -23.4 

Yan Yean 418 1468 1471 1402 913 - - 

Panton Hill 410 340 377 355 305 331 -19.3 

St Andrews 78 25 643 380 361 316 305.1 

Warrandyte 333 278 315 270 250 251 -24.6 

(Source: Yarra Valley Water) 

The information gathered in Tables 2 and 3, provides 

a picture of water use by suburb. Although this 

data provides valuable information there are some 

limitations with the way the data has been collated. 

The figures represent reticulated water that has been 

paid for. Any other demands on reticulated water, 

such as leaks or illegal connections are not recorded 

with this data. The average data also masks the 

variances between high and low consumers. 

This information will be used, in conjunction with the 

water retailer, to target high use areas. 

The reticulated water demand across the 

municipality during the base year of 2000-2001 was 

6,433,281 kilolitres. Of this, residential water use 

was approximately 5,691,092 kilolitres or 88% of the 

total potable water demand (See Graph 1). This is 

equivalent to an average of 354 kilolitres per dwelling 

and 173 kilolitres per medium density unit annually, 

or an average of 339 kilolitres per household. The 

average annual water use for greater Melbourne is 

240 kilolitres per household. 7 Nillumbik’s community 

water use is above this average and may be 

attributed to the large gardens, homes and larger 

families that are typically found throughout the 

municipality. Even when the larger household size 

in Nillumbik is taken into account, residential water 

consumption is higher in Nillumbik when compared 

with the metropolitan area as a whole. 

7 

Melbourne Water Resources Strategy 2001 pp14, 17 


Residential water consumption 

Residential water use within the home typically 

makes up 70% of the total water consumption, 

although this will differ depending on the size of the 

home, number of occupants and size of the garden. 

Significant savings can be made by implementing 

water saving initiatives in the garden and bathroom/ 

toilet facilities. Council will work closely with its water 

retailer to implement community education and 

behavior change programs targeting high water use 

areas. 

Graph 6: Community water use vs rainfall 

Average water use per property (kL) 

Average annual water use per property 

1000 

900 

800 

700 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

900 

800 

700 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 

residential non-residential rainfall 

Rainfall (mm) 

Graph 5: Breakdown of average water use 

in the home 

Bathroom 

25% 

Toilet 

20% 

Garden 

30% 

Kitchen 

Laundry 

15% 

(Data Source: Yarra Valley Water and Bureau of Meteorology) 

Graph 6 shows residential and non-residential water 

use in comparison with annual rainfall. During the 

past five years there has been a 20% reduction in 

community reticulated water use throughout the 

Shire. 

10% Objective 1: To be a leader in sustainable water management. 

There is currently little data available to ascertain 

how much water is being consumed by those 

properties that rely on non-reticulated water supply. 

However when households rely solely on rainwater, 

there is often a much greater consciousness to 

reduce water usage. 

Action Plan 

The Action Plan is designed to ensure effective implementation of the Plan and will involve the community, 

Council and external organisations. The Water Conservation Action Plan details actions Council and the 

community can both take to ensure their own operations are water efficient. 

Council action Priority Responsibility Partners 

1.1 Develop and maintain a GIS layer with location and meter 2007 ID, EP and IT 

number of water meters in all of Council’s buildings 

and parks. 

1.2 Source potential Sustainable Building Guidelines/checklist 2007 ID, PBS and EP DSE 

for new and refurbished buildings. 

and YVW 

1.3 Update Council’s Green Purchasing Policy to specify the 2007 IM and EP 

need to purchase water efficient appliances. 

1.4 Update Council’s tender documents to include 2008 ID and EP 

environmentally sustainable measures. 

1.5 Develop a Water Sensitive Urban Design Strategy 2008 SP, ID and EP MW 

for Council. 

1.6 Incorporate Water Sensitive Urban Design elements in to 2007 ID, SP and EP MW 

future upgrades and developments of Council buildings 

and facilities. 

1.7 Undertake sustainability training for staff to increase 2007 EP and HR 

organisational capacity regarding sustainable water use. 

1.8 Develop and implement water management plans for high 2008 LS and PM 

water using sports grounds and facilities. 

1.9 Develop and implement Water Harvest Plans for Council 2008 EP and IM MW, DSE 

buildings. (develop) and FG 

2009 

(implement) 


Council-led community action Priority Responsibility Partners 

Objective 2: To reduce water use and encourage water efficiency in all Council’s 

operations and within the community. 

1.a Continue to promote sustainable gardening practices. 2007 EP and ID SGA 

1.b Investigate and implement planning and building controls/ 2008 EP, ID MW and 

assessment tools that encourage the principles of Water and SP DSE 

Sensitive Urban Design for residential and commercial 

developments. 

1.c Ensure DHS and EPA guidelines for the safe use of 2007 PH 

greywater in residential properties are available at the 

planning counter for applicants. 

1.d Ensure Victorian government guidelines that support the 2007 PBS 

installation of rainwater tanks in new and renovated 

residential and non-residential buildings, are available at the 

planning counter for applicants. 

1.e Continue to investigate further opportunities to showcase 2008 ESP MW, YVW, 

sustainable practices including water efficiency measures at 

DSE, SGA 

Edendale Farm Community Environment Centre and through 

and FG 

the Nillumbik WaterSmart Sportsground Initiative program. 

1.f Promote water efficient business/households through 2010 EP and ED YVW 

a community recognition scheme. 

1.g Undertake a waterwise business program through the 2009 EP and ED YVW 

provision of water audits. 


2.1 Undertake water conservation audits on all Council annually EP YVW and FG 

owned buildings. 

2.2 Implement water reduction measures recommended annually EP and IM YVW, MW, 

in water audits. 

DSE 

and FG 

2.3 Install flow control valves into taps, showers and basins 2007 IM 

in all Council properties during regular maintenance 

procedures. 

2.4 Ensure trigger nozzles are installed on all hoses as per 2007 IM 

requirements of the Victorian Government’s Permanent 

Water Saving Rules. 

2.5 Install 4.5/3 dual flush toilets in all Council refurbishments, ongoing IM and ID 

developments. 

2.6 Install only AAA or above water-using appliances in all ongoing IM and ID 

Council facilities. 

2.7 Maintain awareness in current trends of wastewater reuse, ongoing PH 

and investigate its reuse where appropriate. 

2.8 Investigate and install waterless urinals where appropriate. 2009 and IM and ID 

2010 

2.9 Disconnect hot water systems in public toilets. 2008 IM 

2.10 Use rainwater or pool backwash water for reuse on road 2008 IM 

grading where possible. 

2.11 Continue to use drought tolerant plant species in all new Ongoing IM 

amenity plantings. 

2.12 Sustain current reduction in the amount of open Ongoing IM 

space irrigation. 

2.13 Continue to install centrally controlled irrigation systems Ongoing IM and LS 

at all irrigated sports grounds and the golf course. 

2.14 Use subsurface drip irrigation system in selected 2008 and LS, IM and ID DSE 

sportsgrounds. 2010 

2.15 Install flow control valves in all drinking fountains. 2007 IM 

2.16 Implement the Nillumbik WaterSmart Sportsground 2006-2011 LS and PM DSE 

Initiative project. 

2.17 Incorporate warm season grasses onto all sports grounds. ongoing IM and LS 

2.18 Conduct regular irrigation system audits and maintenance. ongoing IM 

2.19 Continue to incorporate group planting of plant species ongoing IM 

with similar water needs, or hydrozones into all new planting. 

2.20 Investigate re-fill and top-up options for water features 2008 IM 

where appropriate. 



Objective 3: Work in partnership with key stakeholders to develop water 

conservation programs for Council and the community. 

2.21 Investigate stormwater harvesting opportunities for irrigation. 2007 IM and ID 

2.22 Implement the water management plan for Yarrambat 2007 LS 

Golf Course. 

2.23 Install rainwater tanks for use at Operations Centre and 2007 IM and LS 

the golf course in plant washdown bays. 

2.24 Install a treatment and recycling system for washdown 2010 IM and LS 

waste water at the Operations Centre and the golf course. 

2.25 Undertake a feasibility study that incorporates the use and 2010 LS 

treatment of backwash water and use of rainwater at 

aquatic centres for pool top up and irrigation. 

2.26 During periodical emptying of Council’s pools, use water ongoing IM and LS 

to supplement other Council activities such as irrigation, 

vehicle washing and road grading activities. 

2.27 Install meters at each pool to monitor make up 2007 LS 

water consumption. 

2.28 Promote Sustainable Gardening Australia programs. ongoing EP SGA 


2a Support water-saving measures outlined in Securing Our ongoing EP 

Water Future Together White Paper i.e. promote the 

installation of water saving measures within the community. 

2b Investigate the feasibility of offering incentives to reduce 2008 EP MW and 

water use on residential / business properties, e.g. free 

YVW 

water audits and follow up advice, free water efficient 

product give-aways, indigenous plant and mulch giveaways. 

2c Support programs allowing for home water and energy ongoing EP SGA 

audits undertaken by accredited professionals, 

i.e. GreenPlumbers and GreenGardeners. 

2d Develop water conservation information for the community. 2009 EP SGA 

Information may include Council’s guidelines on rainwater 

tank and greywater system installations, a directory of local 

GreenPlumbers and GreenGardeners, information on 

water-efficient household appliances, listing of local 

indigenous plant species and information on stormwater 

quality. 

2e Continue to promote the Sustainable Schools program to ongoing EP 

local schools. 

2f Develop and implement planning and building controls that 2009 PH 

support and encourage the installation of greywater reuse 

systems by the community. 


3.1 Maintain strong working relationships with Yarra Valley ongoing EP, LS and PH YVW 

Water, Melbourne Water and other stakeholders, through 

and MW 

effective communication 

3.2 Obtain water consumption figures for each of Council’s 

sites from Yarra Valley Water annually. ongoing EP 

3.3 Continue to work with Yarra Valley Water during the ongoing LS and EP 

development of Council policies that relate to the use of 

alternate water supply and reduction of potable water use. 

3.4 Work with Yarra Valley Water when undertaking projects ongoing PH 

that involve significant reuse of stormwater and/or treatment 

of greywater or backwash water. 

3.5 Seek funding from the Federal government to implement ongoing EP FG 

projects. 

3.6 Build stronger relationships with the Federal government ongoing EP FG 

on water initiatives. 

3.7 Investigate potential sewer mining projects with Melbourne ongoing LS, EP and ID YVW 

Water and Yarra Valley Water, e.g. Eltham Main Sewer. 

and MW 

3.8 Work with Whittlesea City Council to investigate/prepare 2008 ESP WCC 

business cases for decentralised waste water treatment 

systems in the Plenty Growth Corridor. 


3.a Obtain water consumption figures for each suburb from ongoing EP YVW 

Yarra Valley Water and publish annually. 

3.b Continue to work in partnership with Yarra Valley Water ongoing EP YVW 

to undertake water conservation programs in schools. 

3.c Work in partnership with Yarra Valley Water to promote ongoing EP YVW 

water efficient practices/products for use in and around 

the home/businesses. 

3.d In partnership with Yarra Valley Water promote water ongoing EP YVW 

efficient practices and water audit programs with large 

non-residential users. 

3.e Facilitate and assist community organisations to develop 

capital works to achieve water efficiency. ongoing EP and LS 

2g Support increased use of greywater and promote the uptake 2008 PH 

of cleaning products with low salt concentrations within 

the community. 

2h 

Continue to promote and encourage the use of indigenous 

plant species to the community. ongoing EP 


Objective 4: Increase the awareness and opportunities for sustainable water use 

principles and practices in all sectors of Council and the community. 


3.1 Maintain strong working relationships with Yarra Valley ongoing EP, LS and PH YVW and MW 

Water, Melbourne Water and other stakeholders, through 

effective communication 

4.1 Support training courses for relevant staff and contractors ongoing IM and EP MW and SGA 

on water re-use systems, rainwater tanks, and water 

efficient products. 

4.2 Prepare and distribute waterwise education materials ongoing Ecoteam 

to staff via the Intranet and staff notice boards at the 

and EP 

Operations Centre. 

4.3 Continue to maintain staff water conservation awareness ongoing Ecoteam 

in Council buildings in kitchens and bathrooms through 

and EP 

appropriate signage. 

4.4 Regularly inform Council on its progress towards achieving ongoing EP 

the water reduction consumption goal. 


Objective 5: Actively seek funding for water efficiency programs and devices. 


5.1 Maintain awareness of current and future funding ongoing EP 

opportunities available to Council for the implementation 

of water saving measures and water conservation programs 

5.2 Seek alternative funding sources for water saving measures ongoing EP MW, YVW 

and water conservation programs 

DSE 

and FG 

4.a Support programs that train local plumbers to become ongoing EP and IM 

more knowledgeable in sustainable water use 

principles and practices, i.e. GreenPlumbers. 

4.b Support programs that train local landscape gardeners and ongoing EP SGA 

nursery workers to become more knowledgeable in 

sustainable water use principals and practices, 

i.e. GreenGardeners, SGA. 

4.c Support and undertake programs that increase awareness ongoing EP SGA 

and understanding of sustainable water use within the wider 

community, i.e. GreenPlumbers, GreenGardeners and SGA. 

4d Continue to offer Nillumbik’s Environmental Events ongoing EP 

Program incorporating information on sustainable water use. 

4f Expand Council’s Business Streams Program to include 2008 EP 

education on water conservation, and reuse options within 

business. 


5.a Maintain awareness of current and future funding ongoing EP 

opportunities that the community can access to implement 

water saving measures 

5.b Promote funding opportunities to the community through ongoing EP 

a media campaign, Council publications and the internet. 

5.c Offer annual sustainability grants to schools for ongoing EP 

environmentally sustainable projects 

5.d Assist community groups, such as Scouts/Guides, ongoing LS 

in identifying grant opportunities. 


Objective 6: Monitor and report on Council and the community’s water 

consumption annually. 


6.1 Establish a corporate water consumption database which ongoing EP 

details annual water bills and consumption, and allows for 

monitoring of works undertaken to reduce water use. 

6.2 Update Council’s water consumption data into the ICLEI ongoing EP 

database annually. 

6.3 Implement systems to record water saved through the ongoing EP 

actions implemented by Council. 

Theme 2: Stormwater quality 


6a Report annually on community consumption levels to the ongoing EP 

community via internet and local media campaign and 

Council publications. 

Background 

Nillumbik Shire Council adopted its Stormwater 

Management Plan 2002 (SMP) and its Domestic 

Wastewater Management Plan 2006-2009 

(DWMP) to address the health and environmental 

issues faced due to reduced water quality in local 

waterways throughout the Shire. The Nillumbik 

Environment Strategy (2001) also provides direction 

for Council in developing programs that help to 

improve water quality. 

This Plan does not attempt to override nor repeat 

the above plans but instead aims to complement 

and address the issues raised in each of these 

plans since their development. There are significant 

differences in the aims and focus of the related 

Management Plans, with the DWMP focusing on 

minimising the impact of domestic wastewater 

on human health and the local environment and 

the SMP providing a framework for integrating 

stormwater management as part of Council’s 

existing management and planning activities. The 

Sustainable Water Management Plan seeks to raise 

the profile of water quality in Council operations and 

throughout the community. 

Stormwater is the water that runs off roads, car 

parks, roofs of buildings and other hard surfaces 

when it rains, and discharges into the nearest 

waterway. Stormwater runoff enters waterways via a 

network of sub-surface pipes or as overland runoff. 

In urban areas, the rain runs off hard surfaces into 

gutters or pipes that channel the water into drains, 

which lead directly to the closest waterway. In 

Nillumbik, stormwater runoff is directed to Diamond 

Creek, Arthurs Creek, the Plenty River and the Yarra 

River. These waterways eventually discharge into 

Port Phillip Bay. 

The urban and rural drainage network was 

developed to minimise the threat of flooding and 

traditionally does not take the environmental impact 

of stormwater into consideration. All activities and 

practices that occur within a waterway’s catchment 

impact on stormwater quality and therefore river 

health. Stormwater accumulates pollutants as it 

flows over hard surfaces. Pollutants that often occur 

in urban areas include leaves, grass clippings, 

dog droppings, car washing detergents, fertilisers, 

sediments, litter, oil, grease, chemicals and a myriad 

of other toxicants. 

Run-off from rural areas is another source of 

contaminants. This often includes nutrients from 

fertilisers and septic systems, toxicants from 

pesticides and herbicides, sediment, and faecal 

matter from livestock. Over-grazing, livestock access 

to rivers and creeks, poor irrigation and nutrient 

management practices, and runoff from unsealed 

roads also add to the pollution of rivers and creeks. 

Unlike sewage, stormwater is not normally treated 

before it enters the waterway, and hence has been 

identified as a major contributor to the degradation of 

many aquatic environments. 


Good stormwater quality is important as waterways 

are integral to Nillumbik’s character, flora and faunal 

biodiversity, as well as playing an important role in 

influencing the wellbeing of the local community. 

Many people use and enjoy the areas of open space 

along waterways for various recreational activities, 

and the degradation of these areas may ultimately 

affect the quality of life enjoyed by the community. 

Erosion and sediment control 

Sediment in waterways can impact on plant growth 

as well as the health of aquatic and fauna species 

reliant on these water sources for habitat. Particles 

of soil and silt can line the banks of waterways 

smothering stream and riparian vegetation, while 

heavy loads may also reduce the amount of oxygen 

available to support aquatic life. 

In addition to being important for social wellbeing, 

stormwater is also a resource that can bring 

environmental and economic benefits. Rather 

than contributing to pollution, it can be captured, 

treated and reused, becoming a major contributor 

to our water supply. ‘Stormwater runoff from cities 

is almost equal to the amount of potable imported 

water that is used. More than 50% of high quality 

drinking water piped to urban areas is used for 

lower quality purposes such as gardening and 

toilet flushing.’ Therefore there is great potential 

to expand the reuse of stormwater for non-drinking 

purposes. Conserving stormwater will also reduce 

the level of pollutants reaching our local waterways. 

Current water quality issues in Nillumbik 

As part of Milestone 1 of the ICLEI Water Campaign, 

Council undertook an inventory of water quality 

within the municipality. This, in conjunction with a 

review of the SMP and DWMP, highlighted some 

gaps in the strategic management of Council’s 

operations and responsibilities, which may negatively 

impact on water quality. In particular, it identified 

the three functions of Council which may have an 

impact on water quality. These are erosion and 

sediment pollution, wastewater treatment as well as 

swimming pool management. Within the community 

sector, activities also included erosion and sediment 

pollution and wastewater treatment plus high levels 

of nutrients and toxic pollutants. While not identified 

as a major threat at present, gross litter levels 

resulting from an increase in residential, industrial 

and commercial development in the Shire should 

also be considered as a management issue. 

The Shire consists largely of rural and low density 

residential zones with a number of small townships. 

A large number of roads in these areas are unsealed 

(dirt or gravel) and require regular regrading. Due to 

the highly dispersive clay profiles during heavy rain 

events, sediment from these roads can be washed 

into stormwater drains and directed into local 

waterways. 

Although there is a minimal amount of development 

occurring within the Shire, construction site run-off 

(often a result of poor site management practices) 

can lead to high levels of sediment and potentially 

toxic materials being washed into local waterways. 

Increasing urban development contributes to an 

increase in stormwater run-off from impervious 

surfaces that would have previously been absorbed 

into the soil. In heavy rain, this results in higher 

stream flows which can cause erosion of stream 

banks resulting in loss of riparian habitat and 

increased sediment pollution. 

In some rural and low density residential areas, tree 

and vegetation cover has been removed or degraded 

due to poor stock management and land clearing 

leaving creek and gully banks vulnerable to erosion. 

Large infestations of rabbits and weeds are also 

contributing to decreased bank stability and erosion 

problems. 

Wastewater treatment 

It has been highlighted in both the SMP and DWMP 

that there is a high risk to public health and the 

environment from the use of domestic wastewater 

treatment (or septic) systems in the Shire. A large 

number of these systems, particularly those in 

residential areas, are failing to deliver satisfactory 

performance due to inappropriate system design 

and/or management. While the management of 

septics is the responsibility of the property owner or 

resident, Council is responsible for ensuring these 

systems do not cause a risk to public health or 

the environment. Council is required to ensure the 

appropriate selection and installation of septics on 

private property and to monitor the compliance of 

satisfactory system performance. 

There is a large number of properties within the 

Shire that currently discharge greywater off-site, a 

consequence of previous environmental legislation 

standards when it was assumed that properties 

would be provided with reticulated sewerage 

services within a short time frame. While many of 

these properties are in areas currently listed on 

the Yarra Valley Water sewerage backlog program, 

at the time of this report timelines for sewerage 

installation in these areas is still unknown and 

uncertain. Some of these properties are in urban 

parts of the Shire, but the true extent of the problem 

is not fully known. 

Many of the existing domestic wastewater treatment 

systems throughout the Shire are not being 

managed or maintained correctly. A survey of 

residents undertaken by Council’s Public Health Unit 

in 2005 identified that approximately 20% of systems 

did not have the required servicing undertaken in 

the appropriate timeframe. Surveys, discussions 

with committees and property inspections have 

identified that many property owners are unclear 

of the requirements of septic system management 

and, in some cases residents, are unaware that their 

property is actually connected to a septic system. 

The supply of reticulated water to properties which 

are currently serviced by septics is also contributing 

to septic management problems. When households 

rely solely on rainwater, there is often a much 

greater consciousness to reduce water usage. When 

connected to reticulated water, limitations of water 

use are not an obvious issue and occupants can be 

less conscientious with water conservation. High 

water use levels in the home can create pressures 

on septic systems which are not designed to treat 

large volumes of water. 

Badly designed stormwater disposal systems 

on properties in unsewered areas can affect the 

placement of septic systems when developing new 

properties. An integrated approach that considers 

both stormwater and domestic wastewater treatment 

and disposal needs to be undertaken when issuing 

planning permits. 


The reuse of greywater is becoming a popular 

substitute for reticulated water for non-drinking 

purposes such as toilet flushing and garden 

irrigation. Incorrect use of this source, however, can 

cause health and environmental risks as pollutants 

and toxins build up in the soil or wash into the 

stormwater system. 

Domestic wastewater, if permitted to enter 

stormwater systems and local waterways, can 

threaten water quality due to the particles of dirt, 

lint, food and human waste products and chemicals 

from cleaning products that it may contain. These 

factors can impact on the soil stability of stream 

banks and can also promote weed growth. Microbial 

contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses and algal 

blooms pose significant public health risks while also 

impacting on aquatic life. 


There are two public swimming pools in the Shire 

which are under Council management (Eltham 

Leisure Centre and Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool). 

Water used in the backwashing processes for the 

Diamond Creek Pool facility was previously diverted, 

untreated, into the lagoon at the rear of the facility. 

Overflow from this lagoon enters the Diamond 

Creek. This issue has been rectified with backwash 

now connected to the sewer. 

In unsewered areas, private swimming pools also 

contribute to pollution levels in local waterways. 

Unsewered properties cannot discharge wastewater 

into their septic systems, as chemicals and the 

volume of pool water impact on the effectiveness of 

the septic system. Wastewater from backwashing 

swimming pools is usually discharged with 

stormwater directly into the street. 

Nutrient and pollutant levels 

As residential development increases and home 

gardens are created, nutrients from garden and lawn 

clippings, leaf litter and chemicals from fertilisers 

can escape with stormwater run-off. Discharge of 

toxic pollutants from paints, vehicle use and repairs 

and sediment and organic matter generated from 

sweeping down paths and driveways into 

stormwater drains also impact on water quality. 

In rural areas, herbicide, pesticide and fertiliser use 

on horticultural crops, such as vineyards, and stock 

waste associated with agriculture also contribute to 

increased nutrient levels in waterways. 

There are three light industrial areas within the 

Shire located in Research, Eltham and Diamond 

Creek. Incorrect work practices from industry can 

result in pollution of local waterways from highly 

toxic materials. Incorrect disposal of fats and oils, 

particularly in the food retail sector, may also have 

detrimental effects on water quality. 

Gross litter management 

As only a small area of the Shire is covered by 

commercial development, gross litter management 

is not a major problem, however it does deserve 

consideration in this plan as litter can have a 

significant impact on stormwater quality. Of particular 

concern are the shopping and industrial areas in 

Eltham, Research and Diamond Creek. 

Unauthorised dumping of bulk household, garden 

and construction waste in the Shire can sometimes 

occur in and around local waterways as these areas 

are often dimly lit and discrete. This can impact 

greatly on the surrounding habitat and water quality. 

Water quality improvement goals 

Water quality goals are measured by the ICLEI 

scorecard which allocates points to different actions 

that lead to improvements in water quality (see 

Appendix D). Although physical and chemical water 

monitoring provide a good indicator of water quality, 

improvements cannot be definitively attributed to any 

actions undertaken through the program. Therefore 

monitoring activities undertaken by Council will be 

used as an overall indicator of waterway health and 

not necessarily of the success of individual projects 

undertaken through this program. The actions 

listed on the ICLEI scorecard and in the Action Plan 

section of this document are proven to be effective in 

improving waterway health. 

The ICLEI scorecard allocates either five or 10 points 

to a number of water quality improvement actions 

which Councils can undertake. The minimum goals 

required as a part of the ICLEI Water CampaignTM 

program is 50 points each for corporate and 

community sectors. Council undertook an evaluation 

of the actions listed in this plan in relation to the 

ICLEI scorecard to determine achievable goals for 

both Council and the community. 

Strategic Objectives for water quality 

improvement in Nillumbik 

1. To ensure best practice in all of Council’s 

operations to minimise impacts on the 

surrounding environment. 

2. To provide education, support and incentives 

to Council staff and the community in 

developing practices and modifying behaviour 

to reduce impacts on stormwater quality. 

3. To incorporate Water Sensitive Urban 

Design principles in all Council upgrades and 

developments. 

4. Seek funding and identify project opportunities 

to implement water quality improvement 

throughout the Shire. 

Council will achieve 60 points of the Water 

Quality Action Card by 2010-2011 for Council 

operations and within the community. 


Stormwater Quality Action Plan 

The Stormwater Quality Action Plan details actions Council can take to ensure its own operations are not 

impacting on the environment, as well as actions Council can undertake to limit the community’s impact on 

the environment. 

1. Strategic objective: Ensure best practice in all of Council’s operations 

to minimise impacts on the surrounding environment. 

Sediment and erosion control 

A* * Action identified in another plan 


1.1 SMP Undertake restoration programs in degraded ongoing EW and PM MW 

environments in Council reserves that adjoin or 

impact on significant waterways to improve water 

quality in these waterways. This can include 

revegetation, bank stabilisation, weed control and 

removal and rabbit control. Priority is for those areas 

identified in the Nillumbik Stormwater Management 

Plan 2002. 

1.2 Work with Melbourne Water to identify and restore ongoing EW MW 

degraded riparian areas in the Shire through bank 

stabilisation, revegetation, weed control and removal, 

debris clearance and programs to strengthen 

environmental flows and water quality in waterways. 

1.3 ES Ensure formal referral of any applications for the ongoing PBS 

construction of dams to Melbourne Water and 

Department of Sustainability and Environment to 

gain advice and inform planning decisions to protect 

environmental flows in waterways. 

1.4 SMP Apply best practice work procedures and/or guidelines 2008 ID and IM 

ES for road and drain maintenance works manuals using 

the ARRB Transport Research publication Unsealed 

Roads Manual – Guidelines to Good Practice 

Revised Ed 2000 and include these into Council’s 

work manuals. 



1a SMP Continue to provide Asset Protection Local Law ongoing PBS 

requirement information with all relevant planning 

and building permits. 

1b Monitor construction site management conditions in ongoing PBS and ID 

relation to erosion and sediment control on residential, 

commercial and industrial construction sites. 

1c SMP Apply guidelines on good construction site 2009 PBS and ID 

management utilising materials such as the 

Environmental Guidelines for Building Sites 

developed by MWC, EPA, Master Builders 

Association and the HIA or materials developed 

by MBA, EcoRecycle and RMIT. 

1d Conduct training/staff awareness to assist contract 2010 EP 

managers in the enforcement of the erosion and 

sediment control guidelines. 

1.5 Investigate methods to filter sediment run-off from 2008 ID 

unsealed roads (sediment ponds or filters) in priority 

areas where it is not anticipated roads will be sealed. 

1.6 Implement erosion and sediment control guidelines 2008 ID 

based on best practice management for Council staff 

and contractors on construction sites to ensure 

treatment of water prior to entering receiving waters. 

1.7 Require a site management plan and risk assessment 2008 ID and PBS 

which includes erosion and sediment control procedures 

for all Council tenders for construction works. 

1.8 In Council development projects, contain all soil and ongoing IM 

mulch stock piles within bunded areas. 


Gross litter and pollution management 

Nutrient management 





1.9 Develop a Litter Prevention and Control Strategy 2008 IM 

1.10 SMP Review the number/type/design(s) of litter bins 2008 IM 

provided in commercial areas and replace as 

appropriate. Ensure that the bin maintenance program 

is adequate to minimise the loss of litter from 

overflowing, wind, animals or being pushed over. 

Priority areas include Eltham, Diamond Creek, 

Bridge Street (Eltham) and Research commercial areas. 

1.11 Remove any unnecessary bins highlighted in the 2010 IM 

above review. 

1.12 SMP Investigate the introduction of a Council recycling 2008 IM 

collection system for commercial areas. 

1.13 Maintain prompt removal of rubbish dumped in ongoing IM 

Council areas. 

1.14 SMP Install Gross Pollutant Traps (GPTs) or in-line 2008 and ID 

separators and oil and grit separators where a 2009 

ppropriate and downstream of large car parks to catch 

litter, oils and sediments from Diamond Creek and 

Eltham commercial areas. 

1.15 Remove organic material from site following ongoing IM and EW 

maintenance operations in Council parks and reserves 

where applicable. 

1.16 Establish and maintain open space in a manner that ongoing IM and EW 

reduces the requirement for chemical fertilisers and 

herbicides. 

1.17 Investigate guidelines on the effective and 2008 IM and EW 

environmentally safe application of herbicides, 

pesticides and fertilisers. 

1.18 Maintain and undertake enhancement programs in ongoing IM, ID and EW 

Council wetlands to continually improve the 

effectiveness of these systems in treating stormwater 

and maintaining waterway ecosystems. 





1e Continue to investigate rubbish dumping episodes ongoing ML 

on Council land to determine offenders and prosecute 

where possible. 

1f Continue to enforce Local Law Number 5 Amenity ongoing ML 

(Part 5 – Animals, Clause 24) Excrement which 

requires dog owners to remove dog excrement in 

public spaces where possible. 

1g Sponsor the Sustainable Gardening Australian (SGA) ongoing EP 

Nursery Education Program and encourage all 

nurseries in the municipality to become SGA 

accredited. 







1.19 Investigate possible procedures to reuse pool 2008 LS and PH MW 

backwash water 

1.20 Develop procedures to reuse pool water when 2008 LS and EP 

maintenance is undertaken at pools, thus diverting 

it from sewer 

1h Follow up all properties on the septic database which 2008 PH YVW 

have sewer available but have not connected. This 

should include strategies to require any properties 

that have underperforming septics to connect to 

sewer. 

Wastewater management 

Other 





1.21 DWMP Develop a database program tailored to retaining 2009 PH 

septic system information which allows effective 

reporting and performance monitoring of systems 

and which is linked to Council’s GIS system. 

1.22 Ensure wastewater from all Council managed ongoing PH and IM 

properties in areas not serviced by sewer, 

is effectively contained by septic systems. 

1.23 DWMP Undertake a feasibility study on issues and options 2008 PH 

for monitoring or auditing the performance of septic 

systems in the Shire. This should include 

investigations into possible enforcement options. 

1.26 Implement and report on the progress of the Nillumbik Ongoing EP 

Sustainable Water Strategy. 

1.27 ES Report annually to Council and the community on Ongoing EP and PH 

water quality. 

1.28 Conduct regular forums to discuss water quality issues Ongoing EP with 

across Council groups. 

representatives 

from other units 

1.29 SMP Review the Municipal Strategic Statement with 2010 SP 

respect to stormwater quality management issues 

at the next review. 

1.24 DWMP Undertake regular water quality monitoring in high ongoing PH MW 

risk areas to collect technical information on the 

public health and environmental impact of poorly 

managed wastewater systems within the Shire. 

1.25 Ensure planning permit conditions relating to both ongoing PH, PB and ID 

stormwater and domestic wastewater treatment and 

disposal management on properties in unsewered 

areas are applied where appropriate 


2. Strategic objective: To provide education, support and incentives to Council staff 

and the community to develop practices and modify behaviour to reduce impacts on 

stormwater quality. 







2.1 Conduct training with relevant officers on effective 2008 PB and ID MW 

site and stormwater management on construction 

sites (in the context of Local Law No 7, Part 6 – 

Stormwater protection). 

2.2 Run education campaigns for Council staff targeting ongoing Ecoteam 

issues effecting water quality. 

2.3 Continue to involve Council staff in Clean Up ongoing Ecoteam and 

Australia Day activities. 

IM 





2a SMP Develop and Implement an awareness/education 2010 PB and EP 

campaign (using existing information from the EPA 

etc.) for builders and developers, targeting good 

environmental design and site management practices. 

2b ES Provide advice and support to community groups, ongoing EW and EP 

such as Friends and Landcare groups, in undertaking 

revegetation and regeneration along creek banks and 

wetlands on Council and private land. 

2c ES Support WACMAC Landcare to develop erosion ongoing EP WCC 

control programs on private land. 

2d Continue to provide the Landcare Support Grants ongoing EP 

program to Landcare groups within the Shire for 

revegetation and regeneration works on private land. 

2e Continue to promote Council’s land management ongoing EP 

incentive programs. This includes providing 

assistance and funding support for rabbit and weed 

control, sustainable stock management and fencing, 

revegetation and bank stabilisation projects. 

2f Work with Melbourne Water to promote the Stream ongoing EP MW 

Frontage and Healthy Waterways Programs for 

waterway protection works on private property in 

priority areas. 

2g ES Promote programs which deter and discourage ongoing ML and IM 

littering and rubbish dumping. 

2h ES Continue to promote and support Clean-up Australia ongoing IM 

Day activities for the community. 

2i SMP Develop and implement an education campaign 2008 EP, ED and PH 

program with local traders (Main Road, Eltham, 

Diamond Creek, Bolton Street (Eltham) and Research 

commercial areas), focusing on the impacts of 

sweeping rubbish and depositing kitchen waste into 

stormwater drains. 

2j SMP Continue to develop and implement an 2008 EP 

awareness/education campaign to encourage 

industrial sites (Elizabeth Street, Diamond Creek 

and Susan Street, Eltham) to improve the quality 

of stormwater runoff and provide information on 

methods available to improve the quality of stormwater 

runoff from their properties (e.g. paving, gravel 

driveways, bunding storage areas, using interceptor 

traps, etc.) and implementing an enforcement 

campaign in conjunction with the awareness/education 

campaign as appropriate. 

2k Develop an education and incentive program for 2008 PH and IM 

non smoking venue operators in effectively managing 

cigarette butt waste outside their property. 








2.4 Conduct training for relevant staff on the effective 2008 EW and IM 

and safe application of herbicides, pesticides and 

fertilisers. 


2.5 Request that the EPA provide training and support 2008 PH 

on the functioning requirements and conditions for 

the different types of septic systems. Relevant staff 

to undertake training where possible. 

2.6 Install signage in Council facilities on septic systems 2009 PH 

to discourage practices that affects the functioning 

of the system. 


2l Continue to develop educational material and ongoing EP and IM 

programs to reflect the environmental benefits of 

sustainable gardening practices. 

2m Produce/source informative material on best 2010 EP 

management practices for fertiliser and water use 

in the horticultural, agricultural, nursery and landscape 

industries and circulate to relevant businesses in the 

municipality. 

2n Review properties currently receiving the Sustainable 2007 EP 

Agricultural Rebate (SAR) and continue to encourage 

new properties to the program. 

2o Develop educational materials and incentives that ongoing IM 

promote the collection of organic litter for composting 

or recycling. 

2p Promote the effective use of mulch in garden beds ongoing EP and IM 

through educative materials and incentives. 

2q Continue to develop educational material, such as ongoing ML and IM 

signage and responsible dog ownership brochures 

to assist compliance with Local Law Number 5 

Clause 24. 


2u DWMP Promote and manage the responsible reuse of 2008 PH and EP 

greywater and review and update educational 

material that ensures use as per EPA regulations. 

2v DWMP Implement an education program/campaign for 2008 PH 

households serviced by a septic system on how 

to effectively manage and maintain a healthy septic 

system. 

2w DWMP Undertake an education program to encourage 2008 PH and EP 

householders on septic to reduce water consumption, 

especially targeting households in areas where 

sullage is discharged over ground or into open drains. 

2x Promote a septic system demonstration site at 2010 PH and EFCEC 

Edendale Farm Community Environment Centre. 

Other 



Council led community action Priority Responsibility Partners 

2aa Continue to implement water quality and conservation ongoing EP 

education programs for schools conducted at 

Edendale Farm Community Environment Centre. 

2bb Continue to provide education opportunities through ongoing EP 

Council’s Environmental Events Program on water 

quality issues. 

2cc ES Continue to sponsor, support and promote the ongoing EP and EW 

WaterWatch program for environmental groups, 

schools and members of community. 


3. Strategic objective: Incorporate Water Sensitive Urban Design principles and 

water treatment options in all upgrades and developments in the Shire. 

Sediment and Erosion Control 



3.1 Incorporate the implementation of Water Sensitive 2008 ID 

Urban Design principles as a desired level of service 

in Asset Management Plans for all Council buildings 

and developments – e.g. permeable paving, 

bioretention bays, swales and street tree pits. 

3.2 Investigate, and implement where possible, the 2007 ID 

harvesting of rainwater from Council buildings 

for reuse. 

3.3 SMP Investigate undertaking a trial of a number of different 2010 ID 

unmade road alternatives (in conjunction with Interface 

Councils) using a range of materials and drainage 

layouts to determine which surface is most effective. 




3.4 Investigate options to collect and/or treat stormwater 2009 ID and EW 

from urban developments where high levels of 

pollutants may impact on water quality. 

3.5 Develop a program or strategy to reduce the high 2007 PH and ID 

levels of nutrients in stormwater entering 

Yarrambat Lake. 






3a ES Improve planning permit conditions which would 2008 SP, EP and ID MW 

require the collection and/or treatment of stormwater 

run-off in all new subdivisions and developments. 

3b Develop or source and distribute educational material 2008 EP, ID and PB 

which promotes the principles of Water Sensitive 

Urban Design for residential and commercial 

developments. 

3c Facilitate Council officers receiving appropriate ongoing EP, ID and SP 

training in WSUD modelling, for assessment of 

planning applications. 

3e Develop an appropriate maintenance regime 2008 ID 

associated with WSUD treatments. 

3f Ensure Council staff are trained in the maintenance ongoing ID 

of the WSUD features after handover from the 

developer. 

3.6 Investigate options for reusing greywater or Ongoing EP and IM 

wastewater in Council operations as opportunities 

arise. 

3.7 SMP Install line triple separators and oil and grit separators 2008 ID MW and 

to treat stormwater from the Susan Street, Peel Street 

EPA 

and Bridge Street industrial areas in Eltham. 



3g SMP Continue to liaise with Yarra Valley Water regarding ongoing PH YVW 

DWMP installation of sewer or centralised treatment systems 

in areas identified in the DWMP as being high risk for 

wastewater contamination. 

3h DWMP Advocate to the Victorian government to accelerate ongoing PH YVW 

funding to clear the sewerage backlog program 


4. Strategic objective: Seek funding and project opportunities to implement water 

quality improvement throughout the Shire. 

APPENDIX A 


Nillumbik Shire Council’s corporate reticulated water use 


4.1 Maintain awareness of current and future Federal ongoing EP MW and 

and Victorian government funding opportunities for 

DSE 

Council projects relevant to water quality. 

4.2 Lodge grant applications where relevant. ongoing As applicable 

Consumption (kl) 

2000-2001 

Cost 2000-2001 


2001-2002 

Cost 2001-2002 


2002-2003 

Cost 2002-2003 


2003-2004 

Cost 2003-2004 


2004-2005 

Cost 2004-2005 


2005-2006 

Cost 2005-2006 



4a Sponsor and support external agencies and ongoing EP and EW MW and 

companies working towards improving water quality 

YVW 

and protecting riparian environments 

4b Inform the community on funding opportunities for ongoing EP and EW MW and 

water quality projects and assist in submitting 

YVW 

applications and support. 

Facility type 

Administration 3,759 2,511 4,027 2,816 3,186 2,324 2,229 1,668 1,552 1,213 2,649 2,225 

Child care centres 2,577 1,760 2,555 1,820 2,961 2,163 2,307 1,730 3,902 3,113 4,242 3,464 

Community centres 5,928 4,166 5,482 3,931 6,328 4,675 5,788 4,352 3,973 3,171 4,202 3,505 

Cultural buildings 390 260 296 206 436 231 517 387 359 228 286 238 

Depots 6,734 4,511 7,053 4,929 5,938 4,315 6,231 4,680 5,396 4,300 4,510 3,792 

Toilets 8,536 5,711 4,217 2,948 5,318 3,876 3,703 2,776 2,668 1,593 1,986 1,669 

Miscellaneous* 4,391 2,940 3,668 2,569 9,553 6,969 7,680 5,766 5,487 4,379 2,094 1,752 

Nurseries 2,418 1,620 2,753 1,929 2,870 2,090 2,609 1,961 1,574 1,256 1,188 1,000 

Open space 9,342 6,258 4,975 3,743 4,782 3,484 1,223 916 3,084 2,459 6,240 5,253 

Sports grounds 104,827 70,230 68,390 48,230 138,402 102,271 56,456 44,491 69,817 55,187 69,759 58,783 

SMP Stormwater Management Plan 2002 

DWMP Domestic Wastewater Management Plan 2006-2009 

ES Nillumbik Environment Strategy 2001 

Recreation centres 16,169 10,899 14,076 10,018 10,447 7,598 10,864 8,171 7,534 6,007 12,604 10,610 

Residences 134 89 110 82 31 23 761 590 772 615 1,687 1,404 

Shopping centres 91 61 64 45 90 65 270 203 267 213 160 130 

Swimming pools 21,662 14,513 18,440 13,887 15,776 11,487 16,684 12,562 16,600 13,247 16,928 11,570 

TOTAL 186,958 125,529 136,106 97,153 206,118 151,571 117,322 77,691 122,955 96,981 122,955 

* Miscellaneous – this category has been used for sites 

which cannot be classified into one of the other sectors. 

It includes unmetered sites that require an estimate of 

water consumption volume and sites that appear on 

utility accounts as closed roads, occupied land or railway 

land. This sector also includes public drinking fountains, 

decorative water features not attached to a building and 

standpipes. Note: a standpipe is a tall slender steel tank 

that is full of water and is used to increase the pressure 

for water supply in high areas. 

46 Sustainable Water Management Plan 


APPENDIX B 

APPENDIX D 

Conversion Table 

1000L 1kL 

L 

litres 

Quantification of corporate reticulated water 

consumption targets 

1000kL 

1ML 

kL 

kilolitres 

1000ML 

1G 

ML 

G 

megalitres 

gigalitres 

ECR* 

(kL/yr) 

* Expected consumption reduction (kL/yr) from 2000-2001 

An Olympic-sized swimming pool holds approxiamately 2,500,000 L (depending on depth). 

APPENDIX C 

A summary of the type of Council assets and services included under each property type is listed in the 

table below. 

Landuse Water reduction action Justification of goals 


Conduct water audits 

Eltham Leisure Centre 4617 implement water audit recommendations Results from water audits 

Install 37 flow control valves 

Reduce frequency of backwashing from once 

a week to once in 10 days in pools 

213 Install dual flush toilets as recommended 

in water audit 

Recommendation from water audit 

Property type 

Administration buildings 

Child care centres 

Community centres 

Cultural centres 

Operations Centre 

Facilities – toilets 

Gardens and planter boxes 

Miscellaneous 

Nurseries 

Open space 

Playing fields 

Recreation centres 


Water trucks 

Description 

customer service centres 

child care centres, Maternal and Child Health centres, 

pre-schools, kindergartens 

mixed use halls such as RSLs, hostels, community centres, 

Senior Citizens centre, toy library 

libraries, theatre 

central depots 

public conveniences 

significant gardens and planter boxes 

drinking fountains, standpipes 

Council-operated plant nursery 

traffic treatments, council parks 

sports grounds, tennis centres, bowling greens 

sports pavilions 

indoor and outdoor swimming pools 

tree watering and street sweeping trucks 

Diamond Creek 2578 implement water audit recommendations Results from water audits 

swimming pool 

Install 15 flow control valves, six dual flush 

toilets and one waterless urinal 

Reduce frequency of backwashing 

Results from water audits 

All centres Install and use hand nozzles or high pressure Reduce water use by 10-15 l /min 

spray units in washdown procedures 

2166 Install rainwater tanks for use in toilet flushing Potential to lower consumption by 

and garden watering. up to 10% 

Investigate treatment of backwash water for 

reuse in pool top up or irrigation. 

Install waterless or water efficient urinals in 

future refurbishments 

Install automatic thermal pool blankets on 

outside pools 

Develop a strategy for alternate use of pool 

water during maintenance 

Urinals save 12 litres per flush 

Estimated 20-30% saving 

on makeup water 

Potential to save up to 1 million litres 

if reused in other operations within 

Council i.e. tree watering 

4332 Investigate the use of rainwater for pool Potential to save make-up water/yr 

make up water. (20%) 

Implement water saving measures with any 

major redevelopment at aquatic centre 

N/A Installation of meters on each pool to monitor N/A 

make up water consumption 

Savings dependant on development 


ECR* 

(kL/yr) 


ECR* 

(kL/yr) 




Depot N/A Conduct water audits N/A 

126 Implement water audit recommendations: Results from water audit 

Install 22 flow control valves 

2280 Install rainwater tanks for use in washdown Results from water audit 

of facility and trucks and irrigation. 

Use treated greywater for horticultural purposes 

Install water treatment system to recycle 

washdown water 

Savings dependant on washdown 

water consumption 

313 Install dual flush toilets where appropriate Saves an average of 5 litres per flush 

(YVW). (5% of total water use) 

Install waterless urinals where appropriate 

Attach trigger nozzles to all hoses 

3260 Utilise dam for water storage 

Administration Undertake water audits N/A 

buildings 

Urinals save 12 litres per flush. 

Savings are dependant on urinal 

usage 

Hard to quantify 

1989 Implement water audit recommendations Results from water audit 

at Civic Centre: Install 39 flow control valves 

Replace urinals with waterless or water efficient 

urinals as required 

Saves 12 litres/flush 

163 Install dual flush toilets as recommended Results from water audit 

in water audit 

375 Install rainwater tanks for use in toilet flushing. Potential to lower consumption 

by up to 10% 

Signs to remind users to save water 

Difficult to quantify 

Child care centres 386 Install flow control valves into taps and showers Save between 15% - 20% 

in child care and maternal child health centres 

as per recommendations in audit report. 

257 Installation of rainwater tanks for use in toilets Potential to lower consumption 

where appropriate. by up to 10% 

Install dual flush toilets in all refurbishments. 

Attach trigger nozzles to hoses 

Trial the installation of spring loaded push-down 

taps. If a good result replace all taps with spring 

loaded taps 

Saves an average of 5 litres per flush 

(YVW). Saving dependant on toilet 

usage rates 



Toilets 1280 Install flow control valves into taps as per 

recommendations in audit report. Save between 15% - 20% 

4268 Installation of rainwater tanks for use in toilet Potential to lower consumption 

flushing and washdown. by up to 50% 

Install dual flush toilets where single flush 

cisterns exist. 

Trail waterless urinals in well used toilet facility 

If trial successful, install waterless urinals 

where appropriate 

Disconnect hot water system 

Cleaners to use high pressure cleaning unit 

Saves an average of 5 litres per flush. 

(YVW). Savings dependant on number 

of existing single flush systems 

Saves 12 litres/flush. Savings 

dependant on urinal usage rates 

Save on energy costs 

Sports grounds Installation of Micromet irrigation in strategically Dependant on sites selected and 

selected open space areas 

climatic conditions 

Nurseries 

Installation of rain/moisture sensors in irrigation 

systems as required 

Installation of Micromet (or similar) irrigation 

at all sportsgrounds . 

Investigate the feasibility of installing a treatment 

and recycling system at Yarrambat Golf Course. 

Dependant on sites selected and 

climatic conditions 

3893 Install rainwater tank at Golf Course for use in Potential to lower consumption 

washdown bay, mixing chemicals, flushing by up to 10%. 

toilets at reception centre. 

41,930 Introduction of warm season grasses into as Potential to save 50% irrigation (for 

many sports grounds as possible, with the view these calculations will use 40%). 

to complete all 

Install rainwater tanks for irrigation purposes 

and toilet flushing 

Open space Installation of flow control valves in drinking Water flow is reduced, and valves 

fountains. 

lower likelihood of leaks 

Installation of spring loaded dog taps and 

drinking fountains. 

Elimination of manually operated irrigation 

systems from traffic treatments – converted to 

automatic irrigation 

Regular irrigation system audits and maintenance 

Dependant on usage 

Rapid repair of leaks undertaken by the 

Infrastructure Maintenance Unit – 24 hrs a day, 

7 days a week. 



ECR* 

(kL/yr) 


ECR* 

(kL/yr) 




Gardens, Continue to incorporate Hydrozones into new Hard to quantify 

planter boxes 

plantings. 

Council building Develop a WSUD policy for Council. N/A 

developments 

Application of water retention crystals to all beds 

during planting 

Investigate stormwater harvesting opportunities 

for garden bed irrigation 

Save up to 10% water use on each 

bed. Hard to quantify due to yearly 

climatic variations and gardens 

beds are not separately metered 

Dependant on beds selected 

DTQ # Investigate the incorporation of Water Sensitive Potential to lower mains water 

Urban Design landscaping in all Council 

consumption through reuse of 

developments 

stormwater 

DTQ ^ Require new developments within the Potential to lower mains water 

municipality to consider water reduction 

consumption through reuse of 

opportunities and water quality issues. 

stormwater 

Use of organic mulch on all perennial beds 

Investigate the use of rainwater harvesting 

for tree watering 


Dependant on roof size 

Community centres 890 Install flow control valves into all taps Save between 15%-20% 

and showers. 

592 Installation of rainwater tanks for use in toilets Potential to lower consumption 

where appropriate by up to 10% 

Install dual flush toilets when replacement 

required 

Install waterless urinals where appropriate 

Saves an average of 5 litres 

per flush (YVW) 

Saves 12 litres per flush. Savings 

dependant on urinal usage rates 

Cultural centres 58 Install flow control valves into all taps Save between 15-20% 

and showers. 

Install dual flush toilets where appropriate. 

Saves an average of 5 litres 


39 Installation of rainwater tanks for toilet Potential to save up to 10% 

flushing/irrigation where appropriate 

Erect signs to remind users to save water 

Recreation centres Undertake water and energy audits N/A 


Staff education Prepare and distribute water-wise education Difficult to quantify 

materials to staff via intranet 

Total expected % 45% + 

reduction of Council’s 

water consumption 

Install awareness signage in Council buildings 

in kitchens and bathrooms 

Support a training course for Council plumbers 

on water reuse systems, rainwater tanks, and 

water efficient products. (Green Plumbers) 

Review Council’s purchasing and tender policies 

to include consideration of water efficient 

principles. 

# 

Difficult to quantify, dependant on water efficiency device installed 

^ Difficult to quantify dependant on development 




+ 

Assumes all actions are undertaken at all sites. Some sites might not be appropriate for all installations. Infrastructure 

maintenance actions are dependant on rainfall therefore annual variations in water savings are expected. 

633 Implement recommendations from water audit 

173 Install dual flush toilets. Install waterless urinals Saves an average of 5 litres 


1616 Install rainwater tanks for toilet flushing where Potential to lower consumption 

appropriate. by up to 10% 

Erect signs to educate about reducing 

shower times 



APPENDIX E 

Conventions, Agreements, Legislation, Policies, 

Strategies and Plans linked to the Sustainable 

Water Management Plan 

International agreements 

The World Water Development Report 

The World Water Development Report (2003) is 

an ongoing assessment project undertaken by the 

World Water Assessment Program Committee. 

The international community pledged to halve the 

proportion of people who are unable to access 

or afford safe drinking water by 2015 and to stop 

the unsustainable exploitation of water resources, 

through the development of water management 

strategies at the regional, national and local levels. 

Federal Government 

National Water Initiative 

The National Water Initiative (NWI) was signed by 

the Coalition of Australian Governments (COAG) 

in 2004. The NWI aims to achieve a nationally 

compatible market, regulatory and planning based 

system of managing surface and groundwater 

resources for rural and urban use that optimises 

economic, social and environmental outcomes. 

Victorian Government 

21st Century Melbourne: A WaterSmart City 

– The Final Report 

In October 2002, the State Government released 

21st Century Melbourne: A WaterSmart City 

confirming its commitment to water conservation 

by setting a blueprint for water resources for the 

next 50 years. The report recommends reducing 

metropolitan water consumption by 12% per annum 

by 2050. This will be achieved through demand 

management, efficient appliances, water harvesting 

and water reuse. The Strategy states that ‘ no new 

dams or diversion weirs should be built in the next 

50 years’ and sets out actions that will lead to a 

decrease in water consumption. 

Melbourne 2030 

The Victorian Government released the Metropolitan 

Strategy 2030: Planning for Sustainable Growth. Its 

objective for water management is to ensure that 

‘water use efficiency will be managed so that existing 

storages can reliably meet water demand beyond 

2030’. 9 The policy sets out initiatives to achieve this, 

including the promotion of water efficient practices; 

the preparation of guidelines to encourage the use of 

alternative water resources such as rainwater tanks, 

stormwater and recycled water. 

New Water for Victoria 2003 

This Plan provides a framework for the adoption of 

water recycling across Victoria as part of sustainable 

water resource management. It outlines the current 

barriers to recycling and provides a plan to deliver 

the government’s medium term goal to increase 

water recycling in Melbourne by 20% by 2010. The 

action plan focuses on water recycling from sewage 

systems operated by government-owned water 

businesses. 

Securing Our Water Future Together 

Securing Our Water Future Together – White 

Paper (2004) sets out an action plan to secure 

Victoria’s water future over the next 50 years by 

building an ethic throughout the community of 

water conservation. The plan proposes a wide 

range of actions to cut water use. Initiatives 

include permanent water saving measures, reuse 

of greywater, capture and reuse of stormwater, 

pricing to encourage water conservation, mandatory 

water rating on appliances, regulation of water 

saving devices, e.g. AAA showerheads, rebates 

for purchases of water saving devices, and water 

sensitive urban development. The paper also looks 

at restoring our rivers and streams to safeguard 

water systems into the future. 

Draft Central Region Sustainable 

Water Strategy 

Regional Sustainable Water Management Strategies 

are a key action within the State Government’s Our 

Water Our Future policy. The Draft Central Region 

Sustainable Water Strategy is a plan to secure water 

supplies for homes, business, industry, agriculture 

and the environment for the next 50 years.It will 

secure water supplies for all users in the face of 

future pressures on the resource such as climate 

change, population growth, economic development 

and land use change. 

This Draft Strategy is an integrated approach to 

water resource planning. It considers all water 

sources including rivers, reservoirs, aquifers, as well 

as recycled water, storm water and seawater. 

The Central Region covers an arc around 

Melbourne, including Geelong, Ballarat, the 

Macedon district and West Gippsland. It includes the 

Barwon, Moorabool, Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, 

Bunyip, Thomson and Latrobe river catchments. 

State Government – State of the Environment 

Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) including 

Schedule F6: Waters of Port Phillip Bay and 

Schedule 7: Waters of the Yarra Catchment. 

The SEPPs were reviewed and released in 2003 

and establish the basis for maintaining water quality 

at a level conducive to environmental health, public 

benefit, welfare, health and safety; and provide 

an adequate basis for planning functions. SEPPs 

provide a framework for government agencies, 

businesses and other members of Victoria’s 

communities to work together to protect and 

rehabilitate Victoria’s surface water environments. 

State Government – Victorian River Health 

Strategy 

The Victorian River Health Strategy (2002) provides 

a vision for the management of rivers in Victoria and 

policy direction on issues affecting river health to 

ensure the most effective long term outcomes for the 

effort and resources invested. 

State Government – Port Phillip and 

Westernport Regional Catchment Strategy 

The Regional Catchment Strategy analyses the 

natural assets of the region, assesses the risk 

to those assets from past and current activities, 

and identifies priority actions for improving and 

enhancing the health of the region’s land, water and 

biodiversity. 

State Government – Yarra River Action Plan 

The Yarra River Action Plan outlines priority projects 

that the State will implement in conjunction with 

local governments and the community to improve 

the health and amenity of the Yarra River. Actions 

include an upgrade of the northern sewage 

system, replacement of 18,500 septic tanks 

through connection to reticulated sewage system, 

litter education, development of agricultural best 

management practices, and ensuring the Yarra 

receives sufficient flows for its environmental needs. 

Nillumbik Shire Council’s Policies 

Municipal Strategic Statement 

Nillumbik Shire Council’s Municipal Strategic 

Statement (MSS) outlines the vision for sustainable 

land use and natural resource management in the 

Shire. It responds to the range of environmental, 

social and economic factors that shape the Shire and 

outlines the objectives and strategies which need to 

be implemented to achieve this vision. 

Nillumbik Shire Council – Council Plan 

2007-2011 10 

The Council Plan is Council’s primary strategic 

planning document, defining the strategies required 

to achieve the Shire of Nillumbik’s vision. 

Strategies to achieve sustainable water 

management are: 

1.2.2 Reduce water and energy consumption 

at all Council facilities and more broadly 

across the community in residential and 

other premises. 

1.2.6 Implement programs to minimise waste 

water discharge and improve water 

quality. 

10 

Nillumbik Shire Council Plan 2007-11 

9 

Melbourne 2030: Planning for a sustainable growth. 

Direction 7, Policy 7.1: Ensure that water resources are managed 

in a sustainable way. 


APPENDIX F 

Actions already completed 

Council has already undertaken many actions to reduce water consumption in its own operations and within 

the community. These actions have been undertaken since 2000-2001 and associated savings have been 

incorporated during the development of the target. These actions have not been incorporated into the Action Plan. 

Council operation actions 

Nillumbik Environment Strategy – Actions for a 

Sustainable Future (2001) 

Nillumbik’s Environment Strategy (2001) is the major 

environmental strategic document of Council and is 

designed to implement the vision and environmental 

goals of the Council Plan. The strategy outlines 

environmental initiatives that will be undertaken by 

Council that are aimed at protecting and enhancing 

the environment and promoting the principals of 

ecological sustainable development. The strategy 

discusses the environment in six interrelated themes, 

with Theme 2 detailing Council’s commitment to 

sustainable water management. The Goal of Theme 

2 is ‘To protect and enhance our catchments and 

manage water responsibly’ . 11 

Objectives to achieve this goal are: 

1. To improve the quality of water within 

catchments and achieve environmental flows 

2. To protect and enhance aquatic and riparian 

habitats through rehabilitation and improving 

the quality of stormwater runoff. 

3. To promote the practice of water conservation 

4. To incorporate the principals of Water 

Sensitive Urban Design into new 

developments. 

The Environment Strategy outlines an 

implementation plan that includes a monitoring and 

review process of Council’s progress through actions 

contained within this strategy. 

Domestic Wastewater Management Plan 

(2006-2009) 

The Nillumbik Domestic Wastewater Management 

Plan (DWMP) aims to minimise the impact of 

domestic wastewater on human health and the local 

environment in the Shire of Nillumbik. 

Water conservation is an important issue that can 

be addressed by the reuse of domestic greywater. 

The plan highlights the importance of effectively 

managing the reuse of greywater for the sustainable 

protection of public and environmental health. 

Stormwater Management Plan (2002) 

The Stormwater Management Plan provides a 

framework for integrating stormwater management 

as part of Council’s existing management 

and planning activities and provides specific 

recommendations. The Plan is an important initiative 

to protect urban stormwater quality throughout the 

Shire of Nillumbik, thereby protecting waterway 

values and enhancing the environmental, economic, 

recreational and cultural benefits they bring to the 

community. 

11 

Shire of Nillumbik Environment Strategy (2001) pg. 20 

No irrigation of parkland 

Use of indigenous plant species in new amenity plantings 

Water conservation audits completed on five Council buildings 

Rain sensors and electronic irrigation system installed at Edendale Farm Community Environment 

Centre’s nursery 

Rainwater tank installed at North Warrandyte Pre-school for use in toilet flushing 

Rainwater tank installed at Edendale Farm Community Environment Centre for use in toilet flushing 

Drought tolerant grass species installed on all fairways at Yarrambat Golf Course 

Reuse of pool and dam water in road grading operations and review of grading operations 

Conduct regular irrigation system audits and maintenance 

Connection of backwash system from Diamond Creek Swimming Pool to sewer 

Water Sensitive Urban Design features incorporated into the Henry Arthur Estate, the new Eltham Leisure 

Centre carpark and planning for the Eltham Circulatory Road 

Warm season grasses installed at the Ben Frilay Oval, Hurstbridge 

Completion of works at Central Oval, Eltham including subsurface drip irrigation and warm 

season grasses 

Water Management Plan completed for Yarrambat Park Golf Course 

Completion of wetlands at Challenger Street Reserve 

Installation of gross pollutant traps in Eltham industrial area 

Community operation actions 

Hosting GreenGardeners program 

Nillumbik’s Environmental Workshop program 

Business Streams program – stormwater education for local businesses 

Edendale Farm Community Environment Centre’s schools education program featuring water conservation 

and water quality themes 

Provision of support for the WaterSmart Schools program 

Sustainable Gardening Awards 

Support for the School Audit program 

Community waterwise garden at Edendale Farm Community Environment Centre 

Introduction of pay-for-use systems on standpipes 

Federal and State government funding to community organisations and schools for water-saving projects 



Construction site management 

To reduce contaminants entering stormwater from 

construction sites, Council incorporated a clause 

in Local Law Number 7 Asset Protection Law, 

Part 6 Stormwater Protection. It states that ‘where 

any building or other work is being carried out on 

any land, the owner must ensure that the site is 

developed and managed to minimise the risk of 

stormwater pollution, through the contamination of 

run-off by chemical, fill, sediments, animal wastes, 

gross pollutants or any other material or substance 

in accordance with currently accepted best practice.’ 

Information detailing builders/developers 

responsibilities in regard to this Local Law 

is provided with relevant building permits. In 

environmentally significant areas covered by an 

Environmental Significance Overlay, applicants are 

required to submit a Land Management Plan with 

planning permit applications which require standard 

sediment control procedures to be addressed. 

Council employs a Works Development Officer 

and Planning Investigations Officers to monitor 

compliance with Local Law and planning permit 

conditions. 

Council also requires that all tenders for construction 

works on Council land must submit a site 

management plan and risk assessment which details 

any erosion and sediment control procedures to be 

implemented. 

Revegetation and regeneration 

programs 

Council’s Environmental Works Unit and Parks and 

Reserve Maintenance Unit undertake a number of 

revegetation and regeneration projects annually 

in degraded riparian environments to improve 

water quality and habitat values in and around 

local waterways. Priority areas are identified and 

assessed, and in some instances management 

plans are developed, for Council parks and reserves. 

Projects include fencing, rabbit control, weed 

control, revegetation, bank stabilisation and wetland 

management. Council also supports approximately 

30 Friends and Landcare groups undertaking 

environmental projects on Council land. 

Landcare support and grants programs 

There are a number of Landcare Groups in the Shire 

which work together on private property to undertake 

environmental improvement activities, particularly 

along waterways and habitat corridors. Activities 

include fencing, bank stabilisation, revegetation, 

seed collection, plant production and weed and 

rabbit control. Council offers advice and funding to 

support many of these projects. 

Land management incentive programs 

To assist residents address land management issues 

and protect and enhance biodiversity on private 

land, Council offers a range of incentive programs 

that provide assistance and financial incentives 

to landholders. Each year, these programs are 

reviewed, assessed and modified as required. 

Currently, the incentives offered under this program 

include: 

Community Weed Control – providing access 

to a cost-effective, professional contractor and 

subsidies to undertake weed control on particular 

environmental and noxious weeds. 

Biodiversity Enhancement – providing either 

a rate rebate or grant for undertaking permanent 

biodiversity protection and/or enhancement works. 

Community Rabbit Control – facilitating and funding 

community development and action in undertaking 

rabbit control on a neighbourhood or community 

level. 

Sustainable Agricultural Rebate - providing rate 

rebates for undertaking or maintaining specified 

works to improve land and water resources, and 

address problems of land degradation. 

Council also provides funding and administrative 

support to WACMAC Landcare to employ a facilitator 

who provides support to the Whittlesea Agricultural 

Society, Arthurs Creek, Merriang and District and 

Cottlesbridge Landcare groups. WACMAC Landcare 

was established to address erosion and salinity 

issues across the City of Whittlesea and Shire of 

Nillumbik. 

Road sealing 

Council undertakes sealing of unmade roads to 

reduce sediment run-off into local waterways. 

However, there is currently no prioritisation of 

road sealing in relation to impacts on waterways. 

A draft discussion paper on Rural Road Sealing 

has recently been released for public comment. 

The purpose of this discussion paper is to seek 

comments from residents and community groups on 

the rural road sealing program, which has been in 

place for several years whereby Council has been 

funding construction of “collector roads” across the 

municipality. These collector roads have the primary 

function of carrying traffic on key routes through and 

across the municipality, and also serve to collect 

traffic from local access roads. 


Litter management 

Council has implemented a three bin GRO 

residential kerbside waste and recycling service 

which assists in reducing the escape of household 

rubbish during collection. 

Council also has an extensive litter management 

program which reacts to the reporting of littering 

offenders and the incidence of litter, dumping and 

litter bin collection in the community. Maintenance 

and collection programs are carried out by Council’s 

Infrastructure Maintenance crews and Municipal 

Laws section. 

A review of litter basket design and maintenance 

performance has been undertaken by Council 

and it was deemed not feasible to use these 

systems as a method of controlling litter pollution 

due to the requirements for regular cleaning and 

maintenance. The preferred method was found to be 

the installation and management of Gross Pollutant 

Traps (GPTs) in strategic locations. 

It is also a requirement in Council’s Works 

Specifications for employees undertaking parks 

and reserve maintenance activities to remove any 

loose litter, rubbish or debris where possible before 

undertaking any mowing or slashing activities to 

prevent shedding of this material. 

Chemical spill management 

Any employee applying chemicals is required to 

have a Farmer’s Chemical Users Permit. Safe Works 

Procedures including guidelines on the safe and 

effective use of herbicide are provided in Works 

Specifications for employees and contractors. 

Chemical dilution only occurs in specially designed 

areas at the depot where chemical spill procedures 

and kits are on hand. There is still a need, however, 

for chemical spill procedures for on site accidents. 

Business education 

To encourage local businesses to play a role in 

stormwater pollution prevention, Council piloted the 

Business Streams Stormwater Education Program 

in the Eltham Light Industrial Precinct with 10 

businesses in 2005. The aim of this program is to 

provide businesses with the knowledge and skills 

to develop practices that reduce their impact on 

stormwater quality whilst working together to improve 

the local environment. 


Parks and reserve management 

The majority of Council’s open space management 

involves the protection and enhancement of remnant 

vegetation or revegetation using indigenous plant 

species. Using indigenous plants reduces the need 

for fertilisers or additional irrigation. Fertilisers were 

previously used for plant establishment, however this 

ceased in autumn 2005. Currently fertilisers are only 

applied to sporting ovals. Garden beds are mulched 

regularly to reduce the need for herbicides. 

Council’s Works Specifications require employees 

and contractors undertaking parks and reserve 

maintenance activities to remove any organic 

material from the site following maintenance 

operations where applicable. Employees are also 

required to face mowers away from roads and blow 

down paths after maintenance activities to prevent 

organic material being washed into stormwater 

drains. 


Local Law relating to dog excrement 

Amenity Local Law Number 5 requires people 

in charge of dogs in public places to collect and 

appropriately dispose of any excrement deposited 

by that dog (Part 5 – Animals Clause 24). Signage 

and rubbish bags have been installed at several 

reserves to assist dog owners to comply. Council 

staff also undertake several bike patrols each year 

throughout reserves to enforce this Law, however 

current resource levels limit the ability to undertake 

regular patrols. 

Environmental Events program 

Council runs a number of environmental events, 

seminars and workshops as part of its annual 

Environmental Events program. Events focus on 

providing sound environmental and sustainability 

education and ideas to local residents for 

implementation at home. Examples include 

designing an indigenous garden, sustainable and 

water efficient gardening, home composting and 

erosion prevention and control. Events are evaluated 

by participants which assists with the review and 

future development of the program to ensure 

community needs are met in future years. 


Domestic wastewater management 

Council developed and adopted the Nillumbik 

Domestic Wastewater Management Plan in 2003 

to provide strategic direction in managing domestic 

wastewater issues in the Shire. Since its adoption, 

a number of actions from this Plan have been 

implemented. 

An effective permit and inspection program has been 

developed to ensure that all new or altered systems 

are installed as per the EPA Code of Practice for 

Septic Systems and include detailed conditions 

of use. Information collection and retention about 

systems within the Shire has improved, however 

some information is unavailable or often only 

accessible in individual property files. Opportunities 

for reporting on the number and status of systems 

and system performance with the current database 

are also limited. Effective education programs and 

surveys have assisted Council in assessing the 

problem and addressing issues but needs to be 

explored further. 

Greywater reuse options 

Council developed an information brochure on reuse 

options for greywater for the home, providing a 

brief overview of greywater treatment and diversion 

systems and the EPA regulations governing its use. 

Other 

Melbourne WaterWatch support 

Melbourne Waterwatch is a community education 

program that involves volunteers from schools 

and community groups monitoring the health of 

our waterways. In Nillumbik, there are numerous 

Waterwatch groups monitoring sites along the 

Diamond Creek, Arthurs Creek, Watsons Creek and 

Yarra River. Council currently supports these groups 

through the provision of sampling equipment and 

materials in addition to jointly funding a Regional 

Waterwatch Coordinator with Banyule, Whittlesea, 

Yarra and Darebin City Councils. 

Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) 

SGA provides advice on gardening practices 

and clearly identifies low environmental impact 

products. SGA’s mission is to change the way all 

Australian garden to ensure that they are working 

with our environment when gardening. Council has 

supported SGA through the nursery accreditation 

program and industry and community training. 

APPENDIX G 

Best practice water management 

Best practice means undertaking operations that deliver the best environmental, social and financial 

outcomes for the organisation. 12 Through the development and implementation of this Plan, Council 

has taken a significant step towards best practice water conservation in all of its operations. 

Key steps to achieving best practice in water conservation include: 

1. Understanding water demand 

Understanding water consumption levels, what 

the water is being used for, and who the user 

is, allows Council to strategically determine 

priority sites for water efficiency measures. 

2. Identifying water saving opportunities 

Identify the best water saving opportunities 

and implement actions that deliver big 

wins first. 

3. Implementing efficiency before reuse/ 

recycling measures 

Councils are familiar with the 3Rs – reduce, 

reuse, recycle, and this should also be applied 

to water use. The installation of water efficient 

devices such as flow control valves and AAA 

rated white goods and showerheads are a 

low cost solution that deliver significant water 

savings. These devices are usually cheaper 

and easier to install than recycling/reuse 

methods and deliver shorter paybacks 

on investment. 

4. Creating partnerships 

By developing partnerships with key 

stakeholders in water conservation, Nillumbik 

Shire Council can access expert advice, share 

costs in projects and remain at the forefront on 

water conservation issues. Key stakeholders 

include Yarra Valley Water, Melbourne Water, 

ICLEI, all levels of government and the 

community. 

5. Monitor and evaluate actions 

Monitoring and evaluation is the key to 

ensuring that investments remain strategic 

and assist in determining whether actions 

are delivering the best outcomes. Monitoring 

results also helps to identify real outcomes in: 

• Environment – volume of water saved 

and not removed from rivers and storage 

facilities, reduction in energy and chemicals 

used to treat and transport the water before 

it gets to the tap. 

• Social – behaviour change, enhanced 

awareness, community and stakeholder 

partnerships. 

• Financial – cost savings from reduced 

water use and waste water disposal 

charges, e.g. Sewage Disposal Charge, 

Trade Waste charges 

12 

www.clearwater.asn.au 

What is best practice in water conservation? 


APPENDIX H 

APPENDIX I 

State Government goals 

Funding opportunities 

In June 2004 the Victorian Government announced 

its water conservation goals for the whole of 

the state. These goals were developed through 

an extensive review process of Victoria’s water 

consumption habits and future projected population 

and non-residential growth trends. These goals will 

ensure that Victoria has a sustainable water supply 

for future generations and the environment. 

They are: 

• to reduce per capita drinking water 

consumption by 15% by 2010 

• to recycle 20% of Melbourne’s ‘waste’ water 

by 2010. 

Further to the Victorian government target, the water 

retailers have set their reduction goal: 

• to reduce per capita drinking water 

consumption by 20% by 2010. 

Nillumbik Shire Council supports the Victorian 

Government and water retailer’s water reduction 

goals and believes the water saving measures 

outlined in Securing Our Water Future Together 

will deliver long term water savings across 

Melbourne. The Victorian government is currently 

reviewing its 15% reduction target, as a 22% 

reduction in community water use has already 

been achieved throughout Melbourne since 1990 

levels. 13 These achievements have been taken into 

account when developing Council’s community water 

conservation target. 

Stormwater and Urban Water 

Conservation Fund 

Local governments can access up to $250,000 

in funding for projects that develop initiatives that 

encourage innovative approaches to water demand 

management through recycling and stormwater 

management. 

Smart Water Fund 

Local governments can apply for funding to support 

innovative water conservation, water recycling and 

biosolids management projects. 

Water Smart Gardens and Homes 

Rebate Program: not-for-profit 

Component 

Council can access this rebate for water efficient 

products and fixtures in all Council owned sporting 

clubs, housing and accommodation, preschools and 

kindergartens, and churches. 

Australian Government Community 

Water Grants 

Grants of up to $50,000 are available to local 

governments, and other community members, for 

projects that reduce water use through on-ground 

implementation of works. 

13 

Draft Water Supply-Demand Strategy for Melbourne 2006-2055 


Glossary 

base year 

buffer strips 

drought 

The first year of data collection that is used as a measure of performance in 

water conservation. The base year for this Water Strategy is 2000-2001. 

A strip of vegetation between the edge of a stream and a land use activity, 

designed to trap the overland flow that may contain pollutants. 

Drought is a prolonged, abnormally dry period when there is not enough water 

to sustain normal or expected needs. It may include lower then expected water 

storage volumes in reservoirs and flows in rivers and creeks; and a higher then 

expected demand for water caused by rising temperatures. 

run-off 

sewer mining 

Water Campaign TM 

The portion of precipitation on a surface that is discharged to drains. 

The extraction of sewage for treatment and reuse on water intensive applications 

such as irrigation of playing fields, municipal parks, gardens, pastures and 

orchards. Solids are then returned to the sewage system for further processing. 

Considerable work has already been undertaken to facilitate the safe use of 

recycled water in Melbourne, this includes third pipe systems in residential 

housing estates such as Aurora in Epping and for irrigation eg. trail by the City of 

Melbourne for irrigation of King’s Domain. 

The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) has provided 

support for local governments to reduce water consumption and improve water 

quality through the Water Campaign program. 

A drought may last from six months to many years. Its impact depends on the 

amount of water storage available from rainfall in the previous years. 

The main cause of drought in Australia is thought to be El Nino. El Nino is the 

warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. The warmer sea temperatures 

cause a significant shift in weather patterns across the Pacific, often experienced 

as drought in Australia and South East Asia. When El Nino is extreme enough it 

can affect two-thirds of the globe with extreme droughts floods and other extreme 

weather events such as cyclones. 14 Climate change is also thought to be another 

reason for prolonged drought in parts of Australia. 

wastewater 

water reuse 

Water Sensitive 

Urban Design (WSUD) 

The used water of the community, businesses or Council containing dissolved 

and suspended matter. It is considered that wastewater is not a waste but a 

resource that can be treated and recycled. 

The use of water more than once, following treatment of waste water to an 

appropriate quality standard and delivery to the point of use. 

Design of sub-divisions, buildings and landscapes which enhance the 

opportunities for at-source’ conservation of water, rainfall detention and use, 

infiltration, and interception of pollutants in surface run-off from the block. 

ESD 

Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) is using, conserving and enhancing 

the community’s resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, 

are maintained, and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be 

increased’ The National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development 

(1992) 

greywater 

Household wastewater that has not come into contact with toilet waste. 

It includes wastewater from bathtubs, showers, and bathroom basins. 

Wastewater from washing machines and laundry tubs is not appropriate 

if dirty nappies have been washed in the water. 

Gross Pollutant Trap 

(GPT) 

A trap designed to incept sediments and litter and debris. GPTs may be 

incorporated into inlet pits, collector drains or main drains. 

groundwater 

Water that is found below the surface, usually in porous rock or soil or in 

underground aquifers. 

impermeable surfaces 

A surface which prevents infiltration of rainwater into the underlying soil 

e.g. concrete. 

indicators 

Performance indicators that help to measure the effectiveness of achieving 

sustainable outcomes. 

riparian vegetation 

Any vegetation on land which adjoins, directly influences or is influenced 

by a body of water. 

14 

The Weather Makers (2005) 


References 

Commonwealth of Australia (1992) National Water Quality Management Strategy 

City of Melbourne (2003) Water Mark –Towards sustainable water management by 2020. 

Clearwater (2005) What is best practice in water conservation? Tips for councils. www.clearwater.asn.au 

Department of Infrastructure – www.doi.vic.gov.au/doi/knowyour.nsf 

Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2002) Victorian Greenhouse Strategy. 

Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2002) New Water for Victoria – Victoria’s Water 

Recycling Action Plan. 

Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2002) Victorian River Health Strategy 

Department of Sustainability and Environment (2003). Securing Our Water Future – green paper 

for discussion. 

Department of Sustainability and Environment (2004). Securing Our Water Future Together – White paper 

Department of Sustainability and Environment (2006) Draft Water Supply-Demand Strategy for 

Melbourne 2006-2005 

Environmental Protection Authority (2003) Guidelines for Greywater Reuse. 

Environmental Protection Authority (2003) State Environmental Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) 

Flannery, T. (2005) The Weather Makers: The history and future Impact of climate change. 

Text Publishing, Australia 

Melbourne 2030: Planning for a sustainable future. (Oct 2002) Direction 7, Policy 7.1. 

Melbourne Water www.melbournewater.com.au 

Nillumbik Shire Council Council Plan 2005-2009 

Nillumbik Shire Council (2003) Domestic Wastewater Management Plan 

Nillumbik Shire Council (2001) Environment Strategy – Actions for a Sustainable Future 

Nillumbik Shire Council (2002) Stormwater Management Plan 

66 Sustainable Water Management Plan 


Civic Drive, Greensborough 

PO Box 476, Greensborough 3088 

Telephone 9433 3111 

Facsimile 9432 9559 

Website www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au 

Email nillumbik@nillumbik.vic.gov.au 

Printed in Nillumbik using vegetable inks 

on 100% Australian-made recycled paper. 

68 Sustainable Water Management Plan

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