Eco-plan leads way

Courier Mail 06 Nov 2009

While work has only really just started on transforming a parcel of land at Fitzgibbon into a residential community, it has already scored top marks for its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Urban Land Development Authority set out to change the way affordable housing is delivered with its Fitzgibbon Chase project. It is now the first project in Australia to receive full marks under EnviroDevelopment version 2.0, which recognises exemplary sustainable development projects.

EnviroDevelopment is an initiative of the Urban Development Institute of Australia. It is a scientifically-based program which recognises achievement across six areas of sustainability - ecosystems, waste, energy, materials, water and community.

Once complete, the Fitzgibbon Chase masterplanned community will house up to 1700 homes, 40ha of bushland and parks. About 66 per cent of the homes will be sold at or below the median house price for Brisbane.

UDIA (Queensland) CEO Brian Stewart said he hoped the EnviroDevelopment standards would inspire other similar high performing sustainable developments.

ULDA CEO Paul Eagles said Fitzgibbon Chase would have open green space, energy efficient house design, advanced waste minimisation and recycling strategies.