Sustainable plans for Forrestdale Business Park

4/12/03
Cutting edge water management practices will be used in Western Australia's first industrial area that has been specifically planned on integrated sustainability principles.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said today the Armadale Redevelopment Authority was working with the CSIRO and the Water and Rivers Commission to develop water management practices for the 190ha site.
"Initiatives will include using natural forms of stormwater drainage and pipe and pump storage systems to manage run-off and direct the water back into the Southern River, rather than piping it to the ocean," Ms MacTiernan said.
"A recent engineering review of the needed infrastructure for the park showed that sustainable measures like these could cut costs by almost two-thirds and have less impact on the environment than conventional methods of stormwater treatment."
The Minister said Forrestdale would also be a major focus of economic and employment activity for the region, with the potential to generate up to 4,000 new jobs.
"Several manufacturing and commercial organisations have already expressed interest in locating there," she said.
"Progress on the southern alignment of Tonkin Highway, which bordered the park, would stimulate additional developer interest.
"Like the adjacent residential project at Brookdale, the ARA's vision is to develop Forrestdale from the outset as a model of sustainable practices.
"Development at Forrestdale has to take account of the high watertable and proximity to the Southern River."
Ms MacTiernan said the ARA was working on a local area implementation plan for Forrestdale to establish clear guidelines for developers, identify sustainable development opportunities and the best ways to achieve them.
The plan would generate a detailed project delivery program for the servicing, development and use of the land, public consultation and participation and the promotion of sustainability.
"The vision for Forrestdale is a contemporary, efficient and highly functional industrial business park, characterised by excellent exposure and access to the main regional road network, high-quality industrial buildings and attractive design and landscaping," she said.
"To attract new business investment, the ARA will promote the advantages of locating in a centre of excellence for sustainability and facilitate statutory approvals.
"Other sustainability practices, like resource sharing and establishing links between businesses to encourage neighbouring businesses to use the by-products resulting from industrial activity and recycling to make the most of materials and energy, will brand Forrestdale as the business park of the future."
Minister's office: 9213 6400