Water Sensitive Bendigo

Healthy waterways, including creeks, rivers, wetlands and aquifers, provide important environmental, cultural, recreational and economic values.

The City of Greater Bendigo is becoming more water sensitive. This includes working with the community to develop plans and undertake education, enforcement, training and industry engagement to make our municipality water sensitive. 

Water sensitive building site	Water sensitive subdivision	Water sensitive construction sites
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Urban stormwater management

Rain landing in a town is called urban stormwater. The City of Greater Bendigo has developed a range of programs to manage urban stormwater sustainably. This includes review and renewal of the City of Greater Bendigo Urban Stormwater Management Plan (originally developed in 2001) (PDF, 1.75mb). The aim is to use water sensitive urban design principles clean and reuse stormwater onsite, and to protect the natural values of waterways downstream from urban stormwater impacts. A new Draft Urban Stormwater Management Plan has been prepared and will be finalised in 2013.

The City of Greater Bendigo’s Water Sensitive Urban Design: a resource kit assists those subdividing land, or involved in construction meet water quality requirements. Information is available on temporary stormwater pollution solutions or permanent stormwater pollution solutions. You can use the construction management plan template to help plan and control site activities. template. Compliance is enforced through City of Greater Bendigo Local Law 11: Protection of public assets and control of building sites (PDF, 90Kb). 

Click here for more information about urban stormwater management and water sensitive urban design.

Greywater reuse

Greywater is waste water made in the home. Many people are looking at alternative water sources, including greywater, for
watering gardens and lawns. Click here to learn more.

You need a permit for a permanent greywater reuse system. Click here to access City of Greater Bendigo resources for
appropriate greywater reuse to protect public health and minimise environmental health risks .

Sustainable water use

City of Greater Bendigo uses water for local parks, sporting fields, public gardens, swimming pools and in public facilities and
buildings. The City of Greater Bendigo Sustainable Water Use Plan was developed with input from City of Greater Bendigo staff,
Coliban Water, and by analysing water use over six years. The plan is due for renewal in 2013.

The City of Greater Bendigo Sustainable Water Use Plan (SWUP) (2007) (PDF, 233kb) sets out actions for reducing water
consumption and increasing water use efficiency.

Water smart gardens

The Smart Gardens Program focuses on waterwise and sustainable gardening practices. The program is a partnership between
the City of Greater Bendigo and Coliban Water.

The Smart Gardens for a Dry Climate website is a key program resource.  A free handy Smart Gardens for a Dry Climate booklet is also available from City of Greater Bendigo Customer Service Centres.

Water education programs

Every year in October, activities and events are coordinated to celebrate National Water Week. School education activities are
hosted by City of Greater Bendigo, Coliban Water and North Central Catchment Management Authority, and coordinated through
the Waterwatch program.

Water supply

The water system delivers water for towns, irrigation, agriculture and industry.
Urban water supply is provided by Coliban Water and rural supply by Goulburn Murray Water.

Water restrictions and water saving initiatives

For up-to-date information visit Coliban Water.

Waterway health

Programs to protect, maintain and improve waterway health are coordinated by North Central Catchment Management Authority.

Water resource management

Water resource management is based on a sensitive balance between economic, environmental and social values. This is
coordinated by Department of Sustainability and Environment (Water).