❓ A parliamentary question scrutinises the sustainability claims made about the Harvest Lakes development, focusing on embedded energy, transport usage, and building standards. The Premier's answer defends the development's trend-setting role and highlights various sustainable initiatives.
AnsweredQoN 2829Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) What is the justification for the headline in edition 44 of the Premier’s E-Newsletter that the Harvest Lakes development at Atwell ‘makes sustainability a reality’?
(2) In particular, what studies have been done to analyse the embedded energy contained within the building materials used in the houses constructed within the urban subdivision?
(3) What studies have been carried out examining the transport energy usage of the residents of the Harvest Lakes development, especially the energy required for their use of private motor vehicles versus the lower amounts of energy required for their use of public transport?
(4) Is it a requirement that all houses within Harvest Lakes will achieve the five star rating as is available under the new Building Codes of Australia, including the compulsory installation of solar water heaters?
(5) Is the Premier prepared to admit that, while Harvest Lakes development is a useful step on the journey to sustainability, much more needs to be done before sustainability becomes a ‘reality’?
(2) In particular, what studies have been done to analyse the embedded energy contained within the building materials used in the houses constructed within the urban subdivision?
(3) What studies have been carried out examining the transport energy usage of the residents of the Harvest Lakes development, especially the energy required for their use of private motor vehicles versus the lower amounts of energy required for their use of public transport?
(4) Is it a requirement that all houses within Harvest Lakes will achieve the five star rating as is available under the new Building Codes of Australia, including the compulsory installation of solar water heaters?
(5) Is the Premier prepared to admit that, while Harvest Lakes development is a useful step on the journey to sustainability, much more needs to be done before sustainability becomes a ‘reality’?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
22 June 2004
Response time
48 days
(1) The headline draws attention to the trend-setting role this development has had on land subdivision design, community development and home building construction. The term “sustainability” is used to highlight the many initiatives being included at Harvest Lakes as examples of how improved practices can be applied throughout all aspects of the development process and how education of a new community can increase the awareness and understanding of how to live in a more sustainable way.
Examples of initiatives that support sustainable development at Harvest Lakes include:
·
subdivision designed in terms of the Liveable Neighbourhoods community design code;
·
the village centre to be located adjacent to the future Success transit station.
·
WA’s first sustainable high performance school, and community and interpretative environmental centre, designed for energy and water efficiency and appropriate building materials.
·
solar orientation for >75% of lots;
·
restoration of two degraded wetlands;
·
the partnership with the Housing Industry Association (HIA) to create WA’s first GreenSmart estate;
·
the partnership with the City of Cockburn to promote the construction of energy efficient housing; and
·
the facilitation of community development and education programs.
(2) LandCorp has relied on the research undertaken by the HIA, which research has resulted in the implementation of the GreenSmart initiatives.
(3) No studies have been undertaken by LandCorp in this specific regard, however, a number of initiatives are underway to address transport issues at Harvest Lakes and are as follows:
·
community education about sustainability including transport options similar to the TravelSmart program;
·
dual-use pedestrian and cycling paths are promoted throughout the estate, in particular drop-off and pick-up areas at the new South Atwell primary school which is located in the centre of the estate;
·
the village centre will be located at the entrance to the estate, adjacent to the future Success transit station.
(4) Mandatory requirements in the most recent stages require all homes to include a solar hot water system with gas booster and future stages require all homes to achieve a 5 star ‘First Rate’ rating.
(5) It is widely acknowledged that achieving a more sustainable future, is very much a journey of learning for all of us. However, the Harvest Lakes development is a critical step in making sustainability a reality. It has been central to promoting many sustainability aspects in the land development industry including through community development, building and construction and biodiversity protection. It has also highlighted the important opportunities that arise from partnering with government agencies, local government, industry, and the community to help develop a more sustainable way of living.
Examples of initiatives that support sustainable development at Harvest Lakes include:
·
subdivision designed in terms of the Liveable Neighbourhoods community design code;
·
the village centre to be located adjacent to the future Success transit station.
·
WA’s first sustainable high performance school, and community and interpretative environmental centre, designed for energy and water efficiency and appropriate building materials.
·
solar orientation for >75% of lots;
·
restoration of two degraded wetlands;
·
the partnership with the Housing Industry Association (HIA) to create WA’s first GreenSmart estate;
·
the partnership with the City of Cockburn to promote the construction of energy efficient housing; and
·
the facilitation of community development and education programs.
(2) LandCorp has relied on the research undertaken by the HIA, which research has resulted in the implementation of the GreenSmart initiatives.
(3) No studies have been undertaken by LandCorp in this specific regard, however, a number of initiatives are underway to address transport issues at Harvest Lakes and are as follows:
·
community education about sustainability including transport options similar to the TravelSmart program;
·
dual-use pedestrian and cycling paths are promoted throughout the estate, in particular drop-off and pick-up areas at the new South Atwell primary school which is located in the centre of the estate;
·
the village centre will be located at the entrance to the estate, adjacent to the future Success transit station.
(4) Mandatory requirements in the most recent stages require all homes to include a solar hot water system with gas booster and future stages require all homes to achieve a 5 star ‘First Rate’ rating.
(5) It is widely acknowledged that achieving a more sustainable future, is very much a journey of learning for all of us. However, the Harvest Lakes development is a critical step in making sustainability a reality. It has been central to promoting many sustainability aspects in the land development industry including through community development, building and construction and biodiversity protection. It has also highlighted the important opportunities that arise from partnering with government agencies, local government, industry, and the community to help develop a more sustainable way of living.
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