Spatial Analysis of Retarding Basin Opportunities--Next Steps for Melbourne's Liveability Journey

Melbourne, Australia faces several challenges in relation to liveability, including population growth, urban densification and climate change, which are placing strain on the capacity of existing public open space. Melbourne Water manages 256 Flood Retarding Basins (RBs), many of which already provide various benefits in addition to flood-mitigation, such as sports fields and stormwater wetlands. There is however significant potential to expand or increase these broader benefits, and associated value to the environment and community. This study developed a flexible spatial analysis methodology to compare 'multi-use' opportunities at each RB in a holistic manner. In order to test spatial analysis results, four case studies were developed to illustrate the opportunities.