SQID Infrastructure
SQID Lifecycle Rating Program Working Group.
We are shifting the industry’s focus from narrow pollutant-removal metrics to true whole-of-life asset management.
This initiative is developing a practical rating framework for stormwater treatment devices so councils, developers and asset owners can better understand the long-term cost, safety, constructability and maintenance implications of the assets they approve, install and inherit.
Key Deliverables:
Whole-of-life costing criteria
-
Safety & maintenance ratings
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Procurement decision support
Project Overview
Protecting Stormwater Asset Owners.
The Challenge
Historically, the industry has focused too heavily on pollutant-removal efficiency. This narrow approach can ignore the real-world cost of stormwater assets, including lifecycle cost, buildability, access, maintenance complexity, worker safety and long-term asset risk.
Our Action
Stormwater 2030 is developing and piloting a practical SQID Lifecycle Rating framework that assesses devices across key whole-of-life criteria, including cost, safety, constructability and maintenance.
The Impact
Once adopted, the rating system will help councils, developers and asset owners make better decisions before assets are approved, installed or inherited; reducing unfunded liabilities, improving safety and supporting more sustainable infrastructure outcomes.
Project Deliverables
What We Are Building.
01
SQID Lifecycle Rating Framework
A practical rating system that assesses stormwater treatment devices beyond pollutant removal and considers whole-of-life performance.
02
Lifecycle Costing Criteria
A clearer way to compare the true cost of stormwater assets, including construction, maintenance, replacement and long-term operational impacts.
03
Safety & Access Assessment
A framework for identifying whether assets can be inspected, cleaned and maintained safely over their service life.
04
Constructability Review
A practical assessment of how easy, realistic and cost-effective different devices are to install in real project conditions.
05
Maintenance & Asset Risk Measures
Criteria to help councils and asset owners understand long-term maintenance complexity, asset performance and potential future liabilities.
WORKING GROUP STRUCTURE
How We Are Delivering the Project.
A collaborative approach bringing together industry, government and technical experts to build a practical, credible and adoptable rating system.
Technical Review
Panel
Brings together engineers, lifecycle cost analysts, asset managers and maintenance experts to test and refine the rating criteria.
Industry Pilot
Group
Works with manufacturers, suppliers and early adopters to apply the rating framework to real stormwater devices and project conditions.
Government & Procurement Pathway
Engages councils, regulators and asset owners to explore how the rating system could support procurement, approvals and asset handover decisions.
Execution Strategy
Core Targets & Timeline.
Phase 1
Rating Framework
Development
Implement the newly developed 0–5 Star SQID Lifecycle Rating framework.
Phase 2
Pilot
Testing
Pilot the rating system across the core assessment categories: lifecycle costing, safety, constructability and maintenance.
Phase 3
Industry
Trials
Run formal industry trials with early-adopter manufacturers, suppliers, councils and asset owners to test the framework in practical conditions.
Phase 4
Procurement
Integration
Explore how the rating tool can be integrated into council procurement guidelines, asset handover processes and approval pathways.
Technical Alignment
SQID Taskforce Recommendations
This initiative directly supports SQID Taskforce Stage 1 recommendations relating to lifecycle costing, safety, constructability, maintenance, procurement and asset management.
Be Part of the Change
Join the SQID Lifecycle Rating Working Group.
We are seeking engineers, councils, manufacturers, developers, asset owners, maintenance providers and technical experts to help test, refine and implement the SQID Lifecycle Rating framework.
Join the Technical Review Panel
Contribute expertise to help refine the rating criteria and ensure the framework is practical, credible and technically sound.
- Review lifecycle costing, safety and maintenance criteria.
- Test whether the rating system reflects real project conditions.
- Help ensure the framework is simple, fair and useful for industry.
Join the Industry Pilot Group
Help apply the rating system to real SQID products, projects and asset scenarios.
- Provide device information and practical project data.
- Participate in pilot testing and feedback sessions.
- Help demonstrate how the rating system can improve decision-making.
Support Procurement Adoption
Work with Stormwater 2030 to help councils and asset owners use the rating system in procurement, approvals and asset handover.
- Help translate the framework into practical procurement guidance.
- Support adoption across councils, developers and asset owners.
- Build confidence in whole-of-life asset decision-making.
Better SQID decisions. Lower lifecycle risk. Stronger infrastructure.
Help create a national rating system that supports smarter procurement, safer maintenance and better whole-of-life outcomes for stormwater infrastructure.
