Review of Wollongong Development Control Plan 2009 Chapter E15: Water Sensitive Urban Design

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Consultation has concluded

Help shape water smart design in the Wollongong region

We're updating our planning rules to protect the health of our waterways and make our city more water wise and we want your feedback!

Chapter E15 – Water Sensitive Urban Design in the 2009 Wollongong Development Control Plan is currently under review. This chapter provides guidance on how new developments can manage water in smarter, more sustainable ways.

Our location between mountains and coastal plains creates unique water flow challenges. Fast runoff from the escarpment and slow drainage on the floodplains require tailored water management. Sandy, easily eroded soils add to the difficulty, making water-sensitive urban design essential to protect the health and function of Lake Illawarra and waterways.

What has been updated?

The updated Chapter E15, shows Council’s strong commitment to smarter, more sustainable water management across the Wollongong region. It includes:

  • Updated pollution reduction targets for undeveloped areas of our city
  • Clear guidance and resources to address water sensitive urban design for development applications
  • Development controls to protect the health and function of our waterways, lake and ocean

These key changes to the draft update, reflect the latest best practices and community feedback and aim to:

  • Protect the health and function of Lake Illawarra, local waterways, groundwater and groundwater dependant ecosystems
  • Reduce erosion and sediment from new developments
  • Encourage rainwater harvesting and reuse
  • Cool our suburbs and reduce heat
  • Support biodiversity and improved green spaces for our community


To support developers and the community during the transition, we’ve created a video along with helpful resources. You can access them below:



The draft revised Wollongong Development Control Plan 2009 Chapter E15: Water Sensitive Urban Design is on exhibition from 6 August to 3 September 2025 and can be viewed:

To find out more review the:

Share your thoughts by:

Please provide your feedback by 3 September 2025. For written, phone and emailed submissions, please quote: 'Review of DCP Chapter 15'. Any submissions become public documents and may be viewed by other persons on request. Please read Council's Privacy Policy before submitting your feedback.

Accessibility and language assistance

If you’re d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech or language difficulty, you can contact us through the National Relay Service. If you need an interpreter, you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. You’ll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 7111 for either service.

Help shape water smart design in the Wollongong region

We're updating our planning rules to protect the health of our waterways and make our city more water wise and we want your feedback!

Chapter E15 – Water Sensitive Urban Design in the 2009 Wollongong Development Control Plan is currently under review. This chapter provides guidance on how new developments can manage water in smarter, more sustainable ways.

Our location between mountains and coastal plains creates unique water flow challenges. Fast runoff from the escarpment and slow drainage on the floodplains require tailored water management. Sandy, easily eroded soils add to the difficulty, making water-sensitive urban design essential to protect the health and function of Lake Illawarra and waterways.

What has been updated?

The updated Chapter E15, shows Council’s strong commitment to smarter, more sustainable water management across the Wollongong region. It includes:

  • Updated pollution reduction targets for undeveloped areas of our city
  • Clear guidance and resources to address water sensitive urban design for development applications
  • Development controls to protect the health and function of our waterways, lake and ocean

These key changes to the draft update, reflect the latest best practices and community feedback and aim to:

  • Protect the health and function of Lake Illawarra, local waterways, groundwater and groundwater dependant ecosystems
  • Reduce erosion and sediment from new developments
  • Encourage rainwater harvesting and reuse
  • Cool our suburbs and reduce heat
  • Support biodiversity and improved green spaces for our community


To support developers and the community during the transition, we’ve created a video along with helpful resources. You can access them below:



The draft revised Wollongong Development Control Plan 2009 Chapter E15: Water Sensitive Urban Design is on exhibition from 6 August to 3 September 2025 and can be viewed:

To find out more review the:

Share your thoughts by:

Please provide your feedback by 3 September 2025. For written, phone and emailed submissions, please quote: 'Review of DCP Chapter 15'. Any submissions become public documents and may be viewed by other persons on request. Please read Council's Privacy Policy before submitting your feedback.

Accessibility and language assistance

If you’re d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech or language difficulty, you can contact us through the National Relay Service. If you need an interpreter, you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. You’ll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 7111 for either service.

Consultation has concluded