MSC Quarterly: STORM Is Being Replaced - What You Need to Know About BlueFactor

Why This Change Matters

From 14 October 2025, the STORM tool will be officially retired in Victoria, and BlueFactor will become the standard tool for small-scale stormwater management assessments. If you're a Developer, Designer, Planner or Stakeholder working on projects under 1 hectare (residential, mixed-use, commercial) this change is important. It will affect how compliance is demonstrated for your planning submissions.

What Was STORM? Why the Move to BlueFactor?

• STORM (Stormwater Treatment Objective – Relative Measure) has been used for many years as the go-to calculator for demonstrating compliance with best practice stormwater quality objectives in Victoria. It focuses on pollutant reduction through measures such as rainwater tanks, raingardens, infiltration systems and permeable paving.

• BlueFactor is now being introduced as the replacement platform. Developed by DEECA in collaboration with Microburst Software, it serves the same essential function: allowing users to input stormwater treatment measures and generate a report suitable for planning applications.

• Importantly, BlueFactor is still a tool in development. Users should expect some teething issues, and it will take time for both consultants and councils to get used to the new system.

Key Differences: What Developers Need to Know

Feature Under STORM Under BlueFactor

Scope	Small-scale developments (< 1 ha). Focused on pollutant reduction.	Same scope — replaces STORM as the standard calculator for small-scale projects.
Assessment focus	Simplified pollutant-based assessment (N, P, TSS, gross pollutants).	Similar pollutant-based assessment; reporting style and interface are different.
Output / Reporting	Familiar report format widely used across councils.	New format — will take some time for applicants, consultants and councils to adapt.
Reliability	Established tool with known quirks, stable.	Still in development, expect bugs and refinement as it is rolled out.
Transition	Accepted until 14 Oct 2025.	Required for new submissions after 14 Oct 2025.

What This Means for Design & Project Planning

• Existing projects: STORM reports will remain valid until the transition date however it might no longer be available after this date leading any update to existing project to upgrade to the new tool and could trigger some changes to requirement.

• New projects: Any lodged after 14 October 2025 must use BlueFactor. Some councils are already encouraging applicants to use it now.

• Learning curve: Allow extra time as BlueFactor’s interface and outputs differ from STORM, and there may be glitches.

• Same WSUD measures: The underlying design solutions remain the same including rainwater tanks, raingardens, infiltration, permeable paving. What changes is simply the assessment platform.

  
  

What This Means for Your Projects

For most small developments, the same familiar WSUD measures will still apply such as rainwater tanks, raingardens, infiltration, and permeable paving. What changes is simply the assessment platform and how results are presented.

However, BlueFactor is still being developed so we expect teething issues. Reports may look different, and there may be minor discrepancies compared with STORM outputs. This is normal as the tool matures.

What You Should Do Next

1. Review timelines for upcoming planning applications if you’re close to the transition date, prepare to use BlueFactor.

2. Plan for extra time in assessments while the tool is still being refined.

3. Stay informed: DEECA and Melbourne Water are releasing updates and FAQs as BlueFactor evolves.

4. Engage MSC: We can help you navigate the transition and ensure your projects remain compliant during this changeover as we will stay informed with DEECA and Melbourne Water updates and FAQs as BlueFactor evolves.

   
   

In summary: STORM is being phased out, BlueFactor is in. While the new tool does the same essential job, it is still being fine-tuned so expect a period of adjustment as the industry gets used to it.

For further information or enquiries, feel free to contact the team at MSC.