Both ‘tangible’ (market) and ‘intangible’ (non-market) financial, social and environmental costs and benefits are estimated and considered.
The study was used a literature review; semi structured interviews and an analysis of the cost/benefit information gleaned from a case study assessments of a range of WSUD developments from across Queensland. The tangible “cost” data for WSUD used in the study (total lifecycle, aquistion and maintenance) is largely derived from these six case study assessments.
Whilst the policy scenarios modeled are specific to Queensland, the detailed methodology section of the final report is worth consulting when considering your council’s own ‘business case’ for WSUD.
Tables 4.1 and 4.2 outline a framework of the costs and benefits associated with WSUD (both market (such as property values) and non market (such as improved water quality). In some cases typical quantitative data is provided where it is available from the research; and the study’s reference section lists a range of relevant resources - both Queensland specific and generic.
The Appendix contains the Technical Report, which outlines the report’s methods, assumptions and data used.