A comparative study of LID, SuDS, and Sponge City strategies.

Urbanization and climate change have significantly increased the pressure on cities to adopt resilient stormwater management strategies. Melbourne, Australia, is no exception. As the city expands, managing stormwater runoff, mitigating flood risks, and enhancing water quality have become critical challenges. This thesis presents a comparative study of three contemporary stormwater management strategies: Low Impact Development (LID), Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS), and the Sponge City concept. The thesis integrates quantitative data analysis with case studies to evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in Melbourne. Key findings reveal that while each strategy offers unique benefits, their efficacy is highly context-dependent. LID practices, such as green roofs and permeable pavements, significantly reduce surface runoff in densely built areas. SuDthesis S techniques, including swales and detention basins, are effective in slowing and filtering stormwater. The Sponge City concept, though still in its pilot stages in Melbourne, demonstrates the potential for integrating green and blue infrastructure to absorb and reuse stormwater, contributing to urban cooling and biodiversity. This study aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The findings provide practical insights for policymakers and urban planners, offering strategies that enhance urban resilience and sustainability.