State and territory planning departments and water utilities must establish clear objectives for water-dependent aspects of urban liveability, informed by community engagement.
Communities are best placed to understand the value of waterway health and must play a leading role in developing these objectives and defining accountabilities.54
At a minimum, water-reliant liveability objectives should consider the benefits to communities that extend beyond the costs of building and maintaining infrastructure. These include the city's resilience to flooding and heatwaves, increased attractiveness to businesses and residents, and avoided health costs.