MUSIC modelling and WSUD developer handbook
The model for urban stormwater improvement conceptualisation (MUSIC), is a decision support system for simulating the performance of stormwater management measures. MUSIC is owned and distributed by the eWater Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) through the eWater Toolkit.
We have partnered with eWater to develop MUSIC-link, which streamlines the process to both develop and assess MUSIC models because it contains our specific modelling parameters. Further information on MUSIC-link can be found here.
We have also developed a specific range of MUSIC source and treatment nodes for use within the Council area. These nodes can be obtained through MUSIC-link or by emailing us on wsud@blacktown.nsw.gov.au
WSUD developer handbook
Our 2026 WSUD developer handbook - MUSIC modelling and design guide is now available and can be found here(PDF, 3MB).
The updated handbook provides concise information and guidance on stormwater modelling approaches and input parameters for MUSIC models that are specific to our development requirements. It is intended to increase accuracy and completeness of development submissions, resulting in a more efficient assessment process.
We will be reviewing the handbook periodically to ensure it remains up-to-date and provides best practice guidance. We encourage users of the handbook to email feedback to us on wsud@blacktown.nsw.gov.au We will review all feedback and, where possible, incorporate it into the next version.
Important information about WSUD systems
Section 12 of this handbook provides information on how to test and maintain filter cartridges.
WSUD checklists
Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) checklists have been developed to outline all essential steps and requirements in the design, construction and certification of WSUD systems.
It helps the engineer/designers to evaluate the WSUD design, ensuring it meets our city’s requirements throughout each stage of the development.
Provision of the information within these checklists, signed off by a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) (Civil/Environmental College) holding actively registered membership with Engineers Australia, will enable the development application and subsequent stages to be approved in a more timely manner.
The current list of WSUD checklists in our Council are available below.
- WSUD checklist reference table(PDF, 113KB)
- Before the development application lodgement(ZIP, 5MB)
- Before issuing construction certificate or subdivision work certificate(ZIP, 4MB)
- During the construction(ZIP, 1MB)
- Before issuing occupation certificate or subdivision certificate(ZIP, 4MB)
Important notes:
Not all WSUD checklists will be required for your development application.
WSUD checklists only need to be completed for those components of a WSUD system that is being proposed.
WSUD checklists that need to be completed after the development has been approved will be identified in the conditions of consent.
OSD deemed to comply spreadsheet
On-site stormwater detention (OSD) controls are required dependent upon the locality of the development site and the types of development in our city.
Our city uses either a deemed-to-comply tool available from S3QM or a separate Blacktown City Council OSD spreadsheet, is available here(ZIP, 382KB), to design the OSD storage.
The use of the UPRCT spreadsheet Version 4 which was available from the UPRCT is not accepted in our city, as High Early Discharge (HED) method is not accepted.