Harvest Lakes to be a watershed in sustainable urban design

22/1/03
An important initiative in the quest for more sustainable urban development is taking shape at Harvest Lakes estate, in the southern Perth suburb of Atwell.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today launched the completed subdivision for the 115ha estate, which will provide 1,000 lots over the next eight years and create a community of about 3,500 people.
"Harvest Lakes aims to set new standards in energy efficiency and water use, as well as promoting a safer, friendlier and healthier community," Ms MacTiernan said.
"Every home will have to contain a minimum level of sustainability measures.
"More than 75 per cent of the lots will have a north-south or east-west orientation to maximise opportunities for controlling temperature naturally through use of winter sun, harnessing breezes, adequate shading and ventilation.
"Rebates will be offered to homeowners who plant waterwise gardens and a stormwater management system will see run-off retained on the estate and mixed with borewater to ease pressure on the underground aquifer.
"Other possible measures include use of photovoltaic cells to supply part of the building's energy needs, use of rainwater to supply toilet cisterns and gardens, greywater recycling and use of recyclable materials.
"The estate's community centre and a primary school will incorporate sustainability principles and a system of shared use paths will encourage walking and cycling.
"Harvest Lakes also links in with existing and planned transport infrastructure, including the Perth-Mandurah rail link, the planned Cockburn Central regional centre and transport interchange and the Kwinana Freeway."
Harvest Lakes is being developed by the State Government's land development specialist, LandCorp, in line with the Housing Industry Association's GreenSmart program.
The City of Cockburn and a range of Government agencies are also contributing to the development. Leading building companies will construct 14 display homes which showcase energy efficency principles.
Ms MacTiernan said the concept had won strong support from homebuyers, with an initial pre-Christmas release of 53 lots largely sold out within weeks and potential buyers expressing strong interest in future releases.
"The Government is providing leadership in demonstrating practical, affordable sustainability measures that can be adopted now," she said.
Minister's office: 9213 6400