Rain Gardens

Rain garden outside residential houses in Rosebery Sydney Image Credit City of Sydney
What is a rain garden?

A rain garden is a landscaped area designed to capture, filter and temporarily store stormwater runoff from roofs, driveways and other hard surfaces.

Rain gardens help improve water quality by filtering pollutants, sediment and nutrients from stormwater before it enters local waterways. They can also provide attractive garden areas that support local biodiversity and help manage stormwater on private properties.

Do I need to meet any specifications?

Yes. Rain gardens are a type of water quality treatment device and must be appropriately designed and constructed to ensure they operate effectively and protect waterways.

Wingecarribee Shire is located within the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment, meaning protecting water quality is an important consideration for development and stormwater management across the Shire.

As water quality treatment devices within the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment must meet WaterNSW requirements, Council does not have separate specifications for rain gardens. Instead, residents, designers and developers should refer to WaterNSW’s current recommended practices and technical guidance when designing and constructing these systems.

Supporting resources:
WaterNSW guidance

WaterNSW provides guidance and recommended practices for the design and construction of water quality treatment measures, including rain gardens.

Residents and industry professionals should refer to the WaterNSW resources when planning a rain garden or other stormwater treatment device to ensure the design is suitable for the site and meets catchment protection requirements.

For further information, visit the WaterNSW website.

Supporting resources:
Is my property within the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment?

Most of Wingecarribee Shire is located within the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment. Some areas of the Shire are located within different drainage catchments, including areas associated with the Kangaroo River and Shoalhaven systems.

Because catchment boundaries are based on water flow and drainage areas rather than suburb boundaries, residents should confirm their property location using the official Sydney Drinking Water Catchment mapping before undertaking works that may affect stormwater quality.

Planning a rain garden?

Rain gardens are a simple way to manage stormwater runoff and improve water quality outcomes on your property. If you are planning a rain garden, consider:

  • whether your property is located within the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment;
  • how stormwater currently flows across your property and where runoff will be directed;
  • selecting plants and materials that are suitable for local conditions, including wet and dry periods;
  • ensuring the rain garden is appropriately designed, constructed and maintained for your site; and
  • whether your proposed works require any planning approval or should be discussed with Council.

WaterNSW provides recommended practices and guidance to support water quality protection in the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment. WaterNSW also refers residents and practitioners to practical Raingarden Instruction Sheets, including resources prepared by Melbourne Water, which provide information on different types of rain gardens, construction approaches and ongoing maintenance.

For larger developments or works requiring approval, additional water quality assessment requirements may apply. Applicants should refer to the relevant planning requirements and seek advice from a suitably qualified professional where necessary.

Rain gardens – frequently asked questions
What is a rain garden?

A rain garden is a landscaped stormwater treatment area that captures runoff from roofs, driveways and other hard surfaces. It uses plants, soil and filtration layers to remove pollutants and sediment before stormwater enters local waterways.

Why do I need to consider rain garden requirements?

Rain gardens are a type of water quality treatment device and need to be designed and constructed correctly to ensure they work effectively and protect water quality.

Most of Wingecarribee Shire is located within the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment, where protecting water quality is an important consideration for development and stormwater management.

Supporting resources:

For best practice WaterNSW recommend instructions sheets for Rain Gardens from Melbourne Water: Raingardens

Does Council have its own rain garden specifications?

No. Council does not have separate specifications for rain gardens or other water quality treatment devices.

Water quality treatment devices within the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment must be designed and constructed in accordance with WaterNSW requirements who recommend Melbourne Water for Rain Garden best practice including:

  • Design
  • Construction
  • Plant choice
  • Instruction sheets 
Where can I find rain garden design guidance?

WaterNSW provides recommended practices for the design and construction of rain gardens and other water quality treatment measures based on best practice information provided by Melbourne Water.

Visit Melbourne Water Rai Garden webpage for Instruction Sheets and more

Other supporting resources:

 

 

Is my property within the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment?

Most of Wingecarribee Shire is within the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment, although some areas drain to other catchment systems.

Catchment boundaries are based on natural drainage areas rather than suburb boundaries. Property owners should confirm their location using the official Sydney Drinking Water Catchment mapping if they are planning a stormwater treatment system.

Check your address at WaterNSW Sydney Drinking Water Catchment & Special Control Areas interactive Map

Do I need approval to install a rain garden?

Depending on the location, size, purpose and associated development works, approvals or conditions may apply. Property owners should check relevant planning requirements before installing a rain garden.

 

Who should I contact for advice?

For advice about WaterNSW requirements, refer to WaterNSW resources. For planning or development-related enquiries, contact Council, via email mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au. 

What plants should I use for my rain garden?

Rain gardens can be both practical and beautiful. When selecting plants, aim for a diverse mix of species that can cope with changing conditions — from periods of heavy rainfall and temporary waterlogging through to longer dry periods.

Using a variety of plants helps create a healthier, more resilient rain garden by reducing the risk of large-scale plant loss, limiting weed invasion and providing habitat for local wildlife.

Choose plants that are suited to the Wingecarribee Shire environment, including species that can tolerate cooler Southern Highlands conditions, occasional frost, wet periods and dry spells. Native plants are generally a great choice because they are adapted to local conditions, require less maintenance once established and provide benefits for local biodiversity.

Suggested plants for Wingecarribee Shire rain gardens

The following native plants may be suitable for different areas of a rain garden:

Plants suited to wetter areas (lowest points where water collects)
  • Carex appressa (Tall Sedge) – a hardy sedge that tolerates wet conditions and helps stabilise soil.
  • Lomandra longifolia (Lomandra) – a resilient grass-like plant that tolerates both wet and dry conditions.
  • Juncus usitatus (Common Rush) – suited to wetter areas and helps provide structure.
  • Baumea articulata (Jointed Twig-rush) – suitable for permanently or seasonally wet areas.
Plants suited to the edges and transition areas
  • Dianella caerulea (Blue Flax Lily) – attractive foliage plant that tolerates a range of conditions.
  • Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) – hardy native shrub suitable for drier edges.
  • Grevillea species – provide flowers and habitat while tolerating well-drained conditions.
  • Correa species (Native Fuchsia) – hardy shrubs that provide colour and support local fauna.
Groundcovers and lower-growing plants
  • Myoporum parvifolium (Creeping Boobialla) – useful groundcover for stabilising soil.
  • Viola hederacea (Native Violet) – suitable for shaded, moist areas.
  • Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed) – a low-growing native groundcover that can suit moist areas.
Designing your rain garden

Be creative with your design and consider using a mix of plant heights, textures and flowering periods to create an attractive garden feature.

Avoid planting a single species across the entire rain garden. A diverse planting approach creates a more balanced ecosystem, reduces the likelihood of plant die-off and helps prevent weeds from becoming established.

Your local nursery can help recommend plants that suit your specific location. When selecting plants, look for species that can tolerate both heavy rainfall and extended dry periods, and consider local native plants wherever possible.

 

 

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