Stormwater Quality and WSUD Voluntary Offset
The Stormwater Quality and WSUD Offset is a new option that Hume City Council is offering town planning applicants in lieu of meeting all their stormwater quality and water sensitive urban design (WSUD) requirements on site.
Applicants can opt to pay a fee in lieu of delivering all of a development’s required onsite stormwater quality and WSUD treatments.
In many cases this will be a cheaper option when compared to building stormwater quality and WSUD treatments on-site as part of any development.
What are the benefits of applying?
Benefits for an applicant choosing to apply for the Stormwater Quality and WSUD Voluntary Offset will include:
- lower cost in most cases when compared to buying and installing the required stormwater quality and WSUD treatments (such as rainwater tanks, raingardens, stormwater filtration systems etc..)
- receive relevant planning scheme exemptions
- faster town planning approvals
- better environmental outcomes in Hume.
Who can apply?
Town planning development applications that are for Residential and Non-Residential purposes. The development must not be within a Melbourne Water DSS area. Approval of the offset is at Council’s discretion.
What information should be submitted?
Relevant information must be submitted with your Development Application so that the Town Planner can determine if your application qualifies for the Stormwater Quality and WSUD Offset. You must submit;
- A signed copy of the applicable purchase agreement with development application: Residential Purchase Agreement Form(PDF, 338KB) or Non-Residential Purchase Agreement Form(PDF, 373KB).
- A Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD )Drawing that details the pervious and impervious areas in squared meters on plan. The areas (m²) should be highlighted, showing clearly which impervious areas have stormwater treatments and/or do not have stormwater treatments.
- Stormwater modelling and calculations (MUSIC or Blue Factor) for the development. A copy of the calculation should be shown on the WSUD Drawing. The calculation must detail all areas (m²) that have stormwater treatments and all areas that do not have stormwater treatments and show the STORM % rating score; these will determine the applicable offset and fee.
- Town Planning Report must note under the relevant planning scheme clauses (i.e., 15.01-2L-03 and 19.03-3L) that the application is seeking apply for the for Hume’s Stormwater Quality and WSUD Offset.
- Some developments will need to demonstrate that all other stormwater planning requirements are being met (i.e., such as those required to prevent flooding).
How is the contribution fee calculated?
The Stormwater Quality and WSUD Offset fee is calculated based on whether the development is Residential or Non-Residential. The type of development also influences how much stormwater quality and WSUD treatments can be offset.
Residential Development Fees:
In 2026, the fee is calculated using a rate is $45 per m² for any developed and untreated impervious area.
These developments have the option of offsetting up to 20% of the remaining impervious areas.
Rainwater tanks must still be installed.
Non-Residential Development Fees:
In 2026, the fee is calculated using a rate is $24 per m² for any developed and untreated impervious area.
These developments have the option to offset up to 100% of their impervious areas.
Please note: Rates are subject to annual review and subject to change.
Request a call back
Contact our Planning & Development Department for more details on your eligibility.
Request a call back