Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) awards Viridian the 2008 National Landscape Architecture Award for ‘Land Management’
After securing the state award (QLD) in November last year, the $350 million Viridian Noosa residential and resort development has won the national award for ‘Land Management’ as awarded by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). Viridian Noosa scooped the award from a record 97 national award submissions.
Representatives from Viridian’s landscape management team, EDAW and Chenoweth EPLA, collected their award in Canberra on September 12.
Since the development commenced over 10 years ago, the Viridian landscaping team has been charged with the design, implementation and management of an ecologically sustainable development plan for the 20 hectare, Noosa Hill site.
The site’s ‘iconic’ green backdrop, environmentally sensitive location, watercourses, flora and fauna habitats and high level of degradation (as a result of the site’s former history as a banana farm and goat paddock) all had to taken into account. The landscape team has designed systems for:
· environmental management, including linkages and habitat for koalas and glossy black and red tailed cockatoos;
· vegetation management, including enhancement and maintenance of existing vegetation;
· weed control and prevention;
· freshwater habitat;
· watercourse management;
· lighting; and,
· bushfire prevention.
As a result more than 36,000 trees and shrubs have been planted, propagated and mulched; weeds have been given their marching orders; habitat and fauna corridors have been extended; regional ecosystems have been restored and, a major public walkway linking Hastings Street to Laguna Lookout has been built and handed back to the community. The walkway now provides the venue for the “Viridian Vertical” charity stair climb each year.
Viridian project and Leighton Properties director Bob Borger said:
“As developers we recognise the special nature of the Viridian site, in fact the surrounding landscape is one of the project’s best assets.”
“The landscape design management of the Viridian Noosa site is a demonstration of the joint venture partners’ commitment to the environment. The AILA National Award confirms how responsible and professional development can protect, maintain and enhance the environmental values of a location” Bob added.
VIRIDIAN FACTS AT A GLANCE:
- Viridian Noosa is a $350million, three-stage project. Viridian stages one (eight Viridian Homes) and two (23 Viridian Residences) are complete. The third and final stage of Viridian, the Viridian Resort & Spa is currently under construction and is a joint venture project between Leighton Properties and the Macquarie Group of Companies.
- When the Viridian Resort & Spa is complete in 2010 it will feature 197 rooms, a day spa, three pools, a gymnasium, restaurants, a licensed bar, 24 hour room service and a 500 delegate conference and meeting facility.
For further information contact:
Bob Borger
Project Director
Leighton Properties QLD
T: (07) 5455 4440
E: bob.borger@lpnoosa.com.au
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