NEWS
Building an Eco-Friendly Community
25 June 2007
It was once a forgotten parcel of land on the Gold Coast north shore but in the space of less than 10 years Coomera Waters estate has evolved into a thriving community that is home to some 1800 to 2000 residents.
It all started with a concept that puts environmentally sustainable design principles at the forefront of its development philosophy. Supported by a successful marketing campaign, Coomera Waters went on to win multiple property industry awards and sustained strong buyer interest, becoming one of the best selling projects on the Gold Coast.
Scott Biggs, Austcorp’s State Manager Qld – Land, said Coomera Waters has pioneered innovative ways of eco-residential development to become one of Australia’s most held-up residential EnviroDevelopments.
“When the project was awarded the prestigious ‘EnviroDevelopment’ status by the Urban Development Institute of Australia last year, Coomera Waters became a brand that people wanted to identify with,” Mr Biggs said.
“It’s a development that has set benchmarks in the housing industry, recognised for our work with conservationists to ensure the longevity of wildlife and the environment.”
Coomera Waters is a forerunner of the emerging trend of eco-lifestyle. Recent data from PRD that indicates homebuyers are willing to pay more to live in developments where their homes and surrounds are environmentally friendly.
“Earlier this year we successfully launched our ‘Call off the Search’ marketing campaign, showing what life could be like living in a truly eco-sustainable development,” Mr Biggs said.
“The ‘Call off the Search’ campaign appealed to buyers who were looking for a water-based lifestyle surrounded by a natural Australian bushland & environmentally sensitive setting.”
Coomera Waters is being developed in 30 stages on 376 hectares of elevated, undulating land and is proposed to contain up to 1800 homesites when finished.
“Coomera Waters has evolved into what is today a community known to have some of the best waterfront and dry lots on the Gold Coast,” Mr Biggs said.
Its location on the growth corridor between Brisbane and the Gold Coast is a major appeal of Coomera Waters, as well as its unique, sustainable features.
“Coomera Waters is no ordinary residential community.
“Koalas and other wildlife live right next door to people’s homes. Rainwater tanks and use of only Australian native species in gardens are mandatory, and all homes must meet minimum requirements of energy efficiency and water conservation.
“When the Pimpama Water Treatment Plant comes on line in 2008, residents are targeted to use only 60 litres of potable water per person per day at Coomera Waters – significantly less than the normal 300 litre per person design allowance, or the 140 litre limit per person under the current Level 5 water restrictions. This targeted reduction of 80% in water use can be achieved through the use of recycled purified water and rainwater.”
The site, which was formerly a golf course, degraded farmland and overgrown pine plantation, was acquired by Austcorp in 1996 and obtained Phase 1 development approval for Coomera Waters in March, 2000.
In 2001 the first resident purchased a homesite for $80,500. But in February 2007 Coomera Waters recorded its highest sale to date – a waterfront home for $2 million.
Last month Austcorp fast tracked the release of its next premium gated stage, Evergreen High Stage 2, following an 85 per cent sell-out of its previous land release in January 2007.
With work continuing on the growing display village which was launched in April, excitement is now mounting for new releases within the Coomera Waters’ development with a new stage expected to be released in August 2007.
Read more about Austcorp's Coomera Waters.Go to the Coomera Waters website at www.coomerawaters.com.au.
