A SWMP helps council and other stakeholders manage the environmental quality of urban stormwater. It enables councils to identify and address local stormwater issues within their boundaries that are detracting from the environmental quality of waterways. Strategies in a plan are designed to address the key issues identified, and guide the adoption of best environmental management practices. The plans also aim to establish a common understanding and integrated approach across council departments, as well as with external stakeholders and communities, to encourage effective use of resources. The main objective of a plan is to provide a strategic basis for a council to improve their environmental management of urban stormwater, both in the short and long term.
Plans are largely non-technical.
They should consist of actions and recommendations that feed directly into the council's business and strategic planning. Actions will impact on planning schemes, educational and environmental services, as well as operations and maintenance programs. Contact the EPA Stormwater Team to receive guidance on what is required for stormwater management planning in Victoria. Councils are encouraged to develop a SWMP consistent with VSAP principles and using best practice methodology. A revised version of this chapter is now available on this web-site.