Policy & Advocacy
Sustainable Funding Working Group.
We are addressing the structural funding gap that limits the stormwater industry’s ability to deliver national programs, technical updates, training, advocacy and long-term reform.
Many essential industry functions currently rely on volunteer goodwill, short-term grants and inconsistent sponsorship. This initiative is developing practical funding models that can support the sector over the long term.
Key Deliverables:
Sustainable funding model
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User / contributor pays framework
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Long-term industry capacity
Project Overview
Building Long-Term Funding for Stormwater Reform.
The Challenge
The stormwater industry depends heavily on volunteers, short-term grants and ad-hoc sponsorship to deliver essential programs, technical updates and industry coordination. This makes long-term planning difficult and leaves important initiatives vulnerable to funding gaps.
Our Action
Stormwater 2030 is mapping the funding requirements of key national programs and developing sustainable revenue models, including user-pays, contributor-pays, sponsorship and partnership options.
The Impact
A stronger funding model will allow the sector to maintain technical standards, support training, update key resources, deliver advocacy and reduce reliance on volunteer labour.
Project Deliverables
What We Are Building.
01
Funding Needs Assessment
A clear map of the funding required to support national stormwater programs, technical updates, administration, advocacy and capacity building.
02
Sustainable Revenue Model
A practical funding framework that reduces reliance on grants and volunteer labour by creating more predictable revenue streams.
03
User / Contributor Pays Framework
A model for identifying who benefits from industry programs and how different users, contributors or beneficiaries can help fund them fairly.
04
Sponsorship & Partnership Pathways
A structured approach for industry partners, sponsors and supporters to contribute to specific programs, reports, tools and reform priorities.
05
Long-Term Program Funding Plan
A roadmap to fund critical programs such as technical updates, training resources, SQIDEP-related support, digital tools and sector coordination.
WORKING GROUP STRUCTURE
How We Are Delivering the Project.
A collaborative working group bringing together financial experts, industry leaders, sponsors and associations to build a fair, transparent and sustainable funding model for long-term stormwater reform.
Funding Review Panel
Brings together financial modellers, economists, industry leaders and association representatives to assess funding needs and revenue options.
Industry Consultation Group
Engages manufacturers, consultants, maintenance providers, councils, sponsors and sector contributors to test practical funding approaches.
Governance & Implementation Pathway
Develops the governance, accountability and implementation approach needed to manage funding fairly and transparently over time.
Execution Strategy
Core Targets & Timeline.
Phase 1
Map Funding
Requirements
Identify the funding required for national stormwater programs, including administration, technical updates, training, advocacy and sector capacity.
Phase 2
Develop Funding
Models
Design sustainable revenue options, including user-pays, contributor-pays, sponsorship, partnership and program-specific funding models.
Phase 3
Industry
Consultation
Test proposed models with industry, councils, associations, sponsors and other key stakeholders to ensure they are practical and fair.
Phase 4
Secure Long-Term
Revenue
Establish priority funding pathways for essential programs, including technical standards, training resources and digital industry tools.
Technical Alignment
SQID Taskforce Recommendations
This initiative directly supports SQID Taskforce recommendations relating to sustainable funding, industry capability, technical guidance and long-term sector coordination.
Be Part of the Change
Join the Sustainable Funding Working Group.
We are seeking financial experts, economists, industry leaders, sponsors, associations, councils and supporters to help build a sustainable funding model for stormwater reform.
Join the Funding Review Panel
Help assess funding requirements and design practical revenue models.
- Review national program funding needs.
- Contribute financial, economic or governance expertise.
- Help develop fair and sustainable funding options.
Join the Industry Consultation Group
Help test whether proposed funding models are practical, transparent and workable for the sector
- Share industry perspectives on contribution models.
- Provide feedback on user-pays and contributor-pays options.
- Help ensure the model is fair, simple and scalable.
Sponsor the Project
Support the development of the funding strategy and long-term implementation pathway.
- Fund research, consultation and financial modelling.
- Demonstrate leadership in industry sustainability.
- Gain recognition as a project supporter.
Stable funding. Stronger programs. Lasting reform.
Help build a funding model that supports the technical standards, training, advocacy and industry capability needed to improve stormwater outcomes across Australia.
