Six of Western Australia's leading, waterwise housing developments have been recognised today by Water Minister Dave Kelly for their water sensitive urban design.
DevelopmentWA's WGV, East Village at Knutsford, Allure Estate Ferndale, SugarGum Estate, Brabham Estate and OneOneFive Hamilton Hill were each acknowledged as part of Water Corporation's Waterwise Development Program.
The Waterwise Development of the Year went to WGV by DevelopmentWA for transforming an old, partially developed school site into a community-focused location.
Using the limited space effectively, the development provides open space with functional amenities for the local community, coupled with best-practice local stormwater management. All groundwater and rainwater used by the development is recycled on re-use on site.
Five other estates have been recognised as Gold Waterwise Developments for utilising best-practice sustainability and water-sensitive principles to help shape livable communities.
To be recognised as a Waterwise Development, developers need to be certified by the following sustainability frameworks:
- EnviroDevelopment
- Green Star
- One Planet Living
- Living Community/Building Challenge.
For developments to achieve Gold recognition, they need to be an endorsed Waterwise Development as well as meet the criteria of the Water Sensitive Cities Index framework.
The impacts of climate change have seen a 20 per cent reduction in rainfall in the State's south-west since the 1970s, meaning we can no longer rely on rain alone to meet our water needs and dramatically affecting where precious water supplies are sourced from.
As we continue to feel the impacts of climate change, local governments, businesses and the community all have a role to play to protect and adapt the way we use water.
Water Corporation's Waterwise Development Program was created in partnership with the Urban Development Institute of Australia in 2014, after recognising the fundamental role developments have in transitioning Perth to a waterwise city. A total of 22 developments have now been endorsed through the program.
To find out more about the Waterwise Development Program, visit watercorporation.com.au
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
"The Waterwise Development Program is one of four flagship programs delivered by Water Corporation as part of the McGowan Government's response to the impacts of climate change on our precious water resources.
"We know climate change is real and the impacts of reduced rainfall are being felt by communities right across the State's south-west.
"That is why it is so important to be designing communities that support sustainable population growth and secure our precious water supplies.
"By working in collaboration with developers to create water efficient communities, we're helping lead the way towards a more sustainable future."
Developments receiving Waterwise Recognition in 2021
Platinum Waterwise Development of the Year
A development that demonstrates over and above Gold requirements across a range of Water Sensitive City goal areas. To be eligible the development must be an endorsed Gold Waterwise Development.
| Winner | Developer |
| WGV | DevelopmentWA |
Gold Waterwise Development
Developments that demonstrate leadership and innovation in creating a Waterwise Development.
| Recipient | Developer |
| East Village at Knutsford | DevelopmentWA |
| Allure Estate Ferndale | The Department of Communities in collaboration with Yolk Property Group and BGC Housing Group |
| SugarGum Estate | Department of Communities |
| Brabham Estate | Peet Limited and Department of Communities |
| OneOneFive Hamilton Hill | DevelopmentWA |
