We’ve made significant improvements to our internal processes and systems, by streamlining workflows and introducing flexible pathways via the Melbourne Water website to allow early review of a Change to DSS request.

We’ve embedded a dedicated application pathway within our Stormwater Management Strategy (SWMS) Review webpage, which will assist us to identify and automate allocation of Change to DSS applications to the right team earlier in the process.

New application pathways offer applicants greater flexibility by providing the option to request a review of both a ‘Change to DSS’ and a subdivisional Stormwater Management Strategy (SWMS) at the same time ahead of a planning permit referral process, if preferred.

The different application pathways are as follows:

• Pre-development advice – for preliminary advice on a proposal, there is no change to this application pathway.
• Changes proposed to DSS or its assets – when an assessment on the proposed change has been undertaken by the consultant and is ready for our review. This must meet minimum application requirements. Encouraging developers to engage with us earlier, will support us in making prompt decisions.
• Changes proposed to DSS or its assets (with SWMS information) – suitable when proposing both a change to a DSS and requiring a SWMS review concurrently.
• Stormwater Management Strategy (SWMS) Review – there is no change to this application pathway.

The application pathways outlined above are recommended when requesting early advice from Melbourne Water, prior to a planning permit process. For all pathways that may apply to your request, please check the Melbourne Water website.

Guidance materials

In response to industry feedback, we’ve developed a Guidance Note to help applicants determine if a proposed change within the development proposal is likely to require an amendment to the DSS.

It clarifies when a change is considered minor and can be managed through a standalone SWMS review or will require a planning application in the future.

Melbourne Water’s minimum submission requirements have been updated to help navigate the application submission process, see Development Application Requirements Guidelines.

If the Change to DSS application is to be accompanied by a SWMS, we’ve updated our template guidance to provide developers and consultants with a helpful overview of the information requirements for a SWMS submission in Greenfield development areas.

These documents are now available on our website.

Referrals for Planning Permit amendments

We’ve introduced two new application types for the referral of Section 72 and Secondary Consent Planning Permit Amendments – now available through our application management system, DevConnect, see here.

A Secondary Consent amendment allows for minor modifications to endorsed plans. Changes to planning permits, i.e. conditions, are not permissible under secondary consent.

A Section 72 amendment allows for substantial changes including changes to existing planning permits, modifications to the permit, preamble, conditions, or endorsed plans.

Both application types now include clearer assessment requirements, helping to streamline the process and improve efficiency. Please refer to Melbourne Water’s referral checklist for our minimum submission requirements.

Other news: DSS rate increases

Two months ago, we announced that Melbourne Water will increase rates for their Development Services Schemes (DSS) from 30 September 2025 to achieve cost recovery and ensure financial sustainability of the program.

Each active DSS will be reviewed annually to identify any rate adjustments that are required. Increases will be limited to a maximum of 25% within any 12-month period and the standard two-month notice period before roll-out still applies.

The next round of annual reviews will be from January 2026. You can look up your rate and use the online calculator on the Melbourne Water website.

Read more in our frequently asked questions (DOCX, 135KB).

Find out more

Click the blue 'Follow' button at the top of the page to be notified of news updates.

If you have any further questions, email [email protected] or phone 131 722.