Water sustainability and the Caboolture ShirePlan

Background

TheCaboolture ShirePlan includes a number of provisions that contribute to an overall improvementof water use within the district. The basic premise of these provisions is that every opportunityshould be sought to collect rainwater and reuse that water throughout a site either within abuilding or on outdoor areas.

Rainwater tanks

Through the Caboolture ShirePlan, council has incorporated water sustainability across the range of Class 1 – 9 buildings and identifies the circumstances for when a rainwater tank is required, as referenced in Table 1 below.

The Water Sustainability Code is included as a development code in Part 7 of the ShirePlan.The code is also set out so it operates for selfassessment. Part 4 Assessment Tables identifies when it is an applicable code for development.

For extensions or additions involving a new roof area greater than or equal to 100m2, therainwater tank will only need to be connected to an external tap and/or a swimming pool andnot to any internal plumbing fixtures.

Dual reticulation

A provision is included in the general works code requiring the provision of dual reticulation fordevelopment. Dual reticulation comprises two water pipes servicing an area or site. Pipe 1contains potable water. Pipe 2 contains highly treated recycled water for use in toilets and forexternal purposes such as the watering of gardens and is not for drinking purposes. Such asystem has significant water saving potential.

In the short term, not all sites will be connected to a dual reticulated system but there is meritin requiring new development to provide for this in the likely event that such a network will bemade available in the future.

Table 1-Summary Table for Rainwater Tank and Plumbing Connection Requirements

Use / Criteria /
Requirement
Dwelling houses / For extensions or additions involving a new roof area greater than or equal to 100m2 / ShirePlan applies – provide a 3000 litre rainwater tank and connect to external tap and swimming pool only
For extensions or additions involving a new roof area less than 100m2 / No requirement for a rainwater tank or connection
Other residential uses (accommodation building, dependent person’s accommodation, dual occupancy, multiple dwelling, retirement village, and special care facility) / For a new use and involving a class 2 component / ShirePlan applies – provide a rainwater tank and connect to internal and external plumbing, and a swimming pool.
For all classes, for extensions or additions involving a new roof area greater than or equal to 100m2 / ShirePlan applies – provide a rainwater tank and connect to external tap and swimming pool only
For extensions or additions involving a new roof area less than 100m2 / No requirement for a rainwater tank or connection
Other uses (e.g. commercial and industrial) / For extensions or additions involving a new roof area greater than or equal to 100m2 / ShirePlan applies – provide a rainwater tank and connect to external tap and swimming pool only
For extensions or additions involving a new roof area less than 100m2 / No requirement for a rainwater tank or connection

Page 1 of 2March 14