On 16 March 2015 the Senate referred the following matter to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 25 June 2015:

1. the quantum of stormwater resource in Australia and impact and potential of optimal management practices in areas of flooding, environmental impacts, waterway management and water resource planning;
2. the role of scientific advances in improving stormwater management outcomes and integrating these into policy at all levels of government to unlock the full suite of economic benefits;
3. the role of stormwater as a positive contributor to resilient and desirable communities into the future, including 'public good' and productivity outcomes;
4. model frameworks to develop economic and policy incentives for stormwater managment;
5. model land use planning and building controls to maximise benefits and minimise impacts in both new and legacy situations;
6. funding models and incentives to support strategic planning and investment in desirable stormwater management, including local prioritisation;
7. asset management and operations to encourage efficient investments and longevity of benefit;
8. the role of innovation in supporting desirable outcomes and transparent decision-making, including access to information and novel technologies for planning, design and implementation; and
9. any related matters.