Precinct Scale Water Quality Offset Scheme

In 2016 we introduced the precinct scale water quality offset scheme for infill development.  This offset scheme enables developers to pay a contribution to Council in lieu of undertaking on-site water quality treatment works.

The scheme applies to all developments which are required to undertake water quality treatment works on-site under the Development Control Plan (BDCP) - Part J(PDF, 7MB). The contributions will fund 11 regional stormwater treatment, stormwater harvesting and re-use projects.

Within these infill areas there are 2 sub-planning areas for the water quality offset scheme:

• the area covered by Section 7.11 Contribution Plan 19 which includes Blacktown and Seven Hills (pink bounded area on map)

• the area within the voluntary contribution scheme boundary (blue area on the map), and the remaining area west of Eastern Creek which is not covered by Contribution Plan 19, i.e. Mount Druitt and Rooty Hill.

If a development is subject to a water quality control, and occurs on land within the boundary of Contribution Plan 19, you must make a Section 7.11 contribution for the water quality scheme.  Normally business and industrial developments, R3 (medium density residential) and R4 (high density residential) development must make a contribution. Applicable developments which are located outside of Contribution Plan 19, and are within the voluntary contribution scheme boundary, can either elect to make a contribution or construct on-site stormwater treatment measures to meet Council’s water quality targets.  Refer to the Precinct scale water quality offset scheme fact sheet(PDF, 1MB).  Refer to the BDCP - Part J(PDF, 7MB) or S3QM tool to determine if a water quality control is applicable.

In addition, business and industrial developments over 2,000 m2 in area must also install a hydrocarbon and gross pollutant trap. Business and industrial developments must also meet a water conservation target of 80% for non-potable reuse.

On-site stormwater detention controls are applicable to some parts of the infill planning area. The S3QM tool will help you identify what controls are applicable.

To enter into the scheme, determine if your development falls into the voluntary contribution scheme area or in the Section 7.11 contribution scheme area. Then use the flowchart below to determine your options.