COOMERAWATERS
Showcasing Eco-Friendly,
Sustainable Living
The pursuit of environmental excellence has been at the core of the Coomera Waters lifestyle concept from the outset. Before turning the first sod on the prime 376-hectare Gold Coast site, Austcorp spent many years collaborating with scientists, planning professionals and government authorities to set in place the eco-sensitive master plan.
The result is a community considered by all stakeholders to have established the benchmark for environmental quality. In 2002, the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA Qld) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) named Coomera Waters a “champion project” exemplifying best practice sustainable urban development.
From its protected nature habitats, eco-trails and extensive greenspace to innovative engineering and water management solutions, Coomera Waters is a community where lifestyle enjoyment comes naturally.
Flora and Fauna
More than 200 hectares are dedicated at Coomera Waters to publicly accessible, environmentally-themed recreation and education experiences. The 17-hectare centrepiece tidal lake is fringed by cycle paths and walkways, parklands and a protected Melaleuca forest, while the Isle of Wings provides an island sanctuary for native water birds.
Protected vegetation precincts, including Eucalypt and Banksia stands, tidal wetlands and saltmarsh, a Pinetum collection of cone-bearing trees and the McCoys Creek Marine Reserve are retained and nurtured as significant landscape features.
The Dragonfly Ponds provide a tranquil retreat and, at Butterfly Park, plant species have been selected to attract and support these beautiful creatures, including the magnificent Richmond Birdwing butterfly. Local school children are involved in projects to propagate and plant native trees and build nesting boxes for our furred and feathered inhabitants.
Other initiatives and attractions include an education centre to encourage nature study and outdoor learning, the Billabong Parkland, and some 20 kilometres of nature trails accessing diverse flora and fauna habitats. Coomera Waters is also supporting Queensland Museum research into our rare native Spotted Mangrove Mouse, and preserving large tracts of its foreshore habitat.
Sustainable Living
With water conservation arguably the most critical issue facing Australia today, Austcorp and Coomera Waters joined with Gold Coast Water and the Gold Caost City Council to help formulate and implement the ground-breaking Pimpama-Coomera Water Futures Project.
A dual separated network of water mains and meters is now part of every house constructed at Coomera Waters and will, from 2008, deliver two water types – treated, recycled water for toilets and irrigation, and potable water for drinking and washing – to specified outlets.
Coomera Waters features a state-of-the-art stormwater management system, with planted swales replacing traditional curb and channelling, and retention zones filtering run-off in attractive park-like basins, significantly reducing stormwater and groundwater run-off.
Gas and solar water heaters are required under the Coomera Waters architectural and landscape code, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumptions. The code also encourages energy-efficient housing design to reduce the need for electric heating and cooling.
All these initiatives combine to create a community where Coomera Waters’ greatest assets – its magnificent environment and enviable lifestyle – are protected and maintained for the future.
