Water Sensitive Cities Australia’s Mainstreaming Program (2021–2025) set out to bring water sensitive practices into everyday urban planning and development. Building on almost a decade of research from the CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, the program translated evidence into practice through large-scale projects, fee-for-service partnerships, training, and knowledge-sharing activities. From piloting community water literacy initiatives in Perth and Melbourne to developing lifecycle costing tools, the program has shown how integrated water solutions can support climate resilience, liveability, and healthier ecosystems.

Over four years, WSCA worked with state and local governments, utilities, industry, and researchers to embed water sensitive approaches in real-world contexts. The program delivered measurable value to partners, fostered national networks, and generated practical tools and guidance now used across Australia. This report captures those achievements and outlines the next phase of work, moving to a targeted fee-for-service model while continuing to champion collaboration, capability building, and the vision of water sensitive practice in every city, every day.