Access arrangements for Water Sensitive Cities (WSC) Tools

Following a review of our operating model, access arrangements for the Water Sensitive Cities (WSC) tools are changing. As we transition from a centrally funded model to a fee-for-service approach, we remain committed to supporting the sector in its continued uptake and application of these tools.

Here’s what you need to know:

Tools being maintained

The Water Sensitive Cities Australia website (https://wscaustralia.org.au/) and the CRC for Water Sensitive Cities (CRCWSC) Knowledge Platform (https://watersensitivecities.org.au/) will be retained.

Access to the following tools will continue as normal for the foreseeable future (noting caveat below):

Transitions Tools – WSC Index and the Transition Dynamics Framework
Economic Tools – Values Tool and Benefit: Cost Analysis Tool.

Users can request access to the Management Actions Tool and Lifecycle Costs Tool by contacting WSCA.

Pricing: There will be no changes to tool pricing for 2025–26.

Caveat: Continued access to the Transitions and Economic Tools going forward will depend on ongoing demand. If use declines significantly then tools may be retired, noting that historical contributing partners to the CRCWSC and WSCA will retain access to current versions.

Tools being retired

The Scenario Tool, Site-scale Urban Water Mass Balance Tool (SUWMBA) and the RESTORE Tool will be retired by October 2025 unless other hosting arrangements can be found. There will be no charge to access existing versions of these tools, however there will be no ongoing support and development.

The arrangements for each tool are summarised in the following table:

✅ The tool will be maintained in 2025-26 and beyond if demand continues.
⚠️ Contact WSCA for information and access.
❌ The tool will be retired in 2025-26.

Access information is also presented on each tool page.

Possible tool reinstatement

Bringing any tools that have been retired back into service will require significant new investment, to update operating systems, ensure compatibility and complete bug fixes.