Mainstreaming Water Sensitive Cities

Activities that shift new practices from being novel to becoming embedded as a new-normal practice

Mainstreaming describes the activities that shift new practices from being novel to becoming embedded as a new-normal practice.

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 showed 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.

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See our Australian projects

WSCA Webinar series

8 webinars shared insights and lessons on a range of topics and geographic focus:

  • Bridge knowledge gaps
  • Identify and address emerging issues
  • Build practitioner capacity
  • Foster cross-bounding learning and connections
WATCH THE RECORDINGS
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WSCA is still working with partners to:
  1. Translate research into action
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2. Foster new collaborations
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3. Demonstrate impact
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Together, we can continue to build water sensitive, climate-resilient cities.