NEWS
Coomera Waters Named Gold Coast's First Eco-Friendly Marina Development
01 August 2007
Austcorp's Coomera Waters was one of five Australian Developers to receive 'EnviroDevelopment' status. EnviroDevelopment is a scientifically-based branding system designed to make it easier for purchasers to recognise environmentally sustainable developments and lifestyles.
Queensland General Manager of Austcorp's Coomera Waters, Kerry Spencer said the new accreditation system enabled homebuyers to choose eco-friendly homes with the same ease they chose heart-friendly foods.
The EnviroDevelopment certification and branding system, launched in October 2006, features six easy-to-recognise 'leaf' symbols to make it easier for purchasers to recognise and select environmentally-sustainable homes and lifestyles.
Coomera Waters applied for, and was awarded five 'leaves' for:
- Water: Improved water use through water efficiency mechanisms and/or source substitution such as rainwater and stormwater harvesting.
- Energy: Reduced production of greenhouse gases and reduced use of fossil fuels through greater efficiencies in energy usage and use of renewable and non-polluting energy sources.
- Ecosystems: Protected and enhanced health and sustainability of natural systems and encouraged native biodiversity and rehabilitation of degraded sites.
- Community: Vibrant, cohesive, sustainable communities with good community design; the provision of community facilities and networks; safe, accessible housing and options for the reduced use of private motor vehicles.
- Waste: Comprehensive waste management procedures and practices to reduce the amount of waste to landfill.
“The accreditation was the result of a long-term, holistic approach to urban design. Coomera Waters was five years in the planning, with a lot evaluation with building, siting, access and landscaping recommendations prepared for each lot,” he said.
“By working with the unique characteristics of each lot, homes can be designed to be comfortable and energy efficient all year round, and to enhance rather than reduce flora and fauna biodiversity,” he said.
Mr Spencer said an energy efficiency checklist was provided to help residents design the most cost and energy efficient home possible, as well as a list of approved garden plants native to the region to provide habitat and food for indigenous birds and animals.
“Supporting biodiversity is more than providing public open space,” he said.
“Designers must work with the environment to achieve the best outcome. As a sensitive coastal environment, Coomera Waters was designed around significant trees and large tracts of wetland, melaleuca stands, eucalyptus forest, and an expansive salt marsh area known to provide habitat to the Spotted Mangrove Mouse and Greater Egret.
“We've then enhanced special areas of interest such as Butterfly Park and Dragonfly Ponds with bird and butterfly attracting plants to encourage the habitation of important species.
We've then created extensive parks and trails for walking or cycling to enable the community to enjoy these environments responsibly.
Mr Spencer said the EnviroDevelopment system would enable consumers to make an informed choice when investing in a community.
“To qualify, a developer must demonstrate it has met strict, measurable criteria,” he said.
“It was challenging to achieve this award, and that's why these leaves will become the symbol of scientifically-based accreditation that can't be bought.”
Read more about Austcorp's Coomera Waters.Go to the Coomera Waters website at www.coomerawaters.com.au.
