Photo: Levesque & Derrick Architects, lada.com.au
On 11 December 2017, 50 representatives of state and local government joined leaders from industry to consider how green infrastructure and water sensitive urban design (WSUD) can be better integrated in the public realm and private spaces. The workshop marks the commencement of the Green infrastructure and WSUD performance based planning policy project being led by Water Sensitive SA, in collaboration with DEWNR, AILA, the Healthy Parks Health People Initiative and Department of Planning, Transportation and Infrastructure.
There’s a growing body of evidence regarding the ability of green infrastructure to deliver health, wellbeing and environmental benefits. Health, environment and climate resilience policy is converging, as we increasingly look to opportunities within private space, streetscapes and public open spaces to support healthy, connected communities. As urban infill continues to progress and reduce private green space, it will be important to ensure communities have access to quality and sustainable green infrastructure.
The current planning reform provides a unique opportunity to better integrate quality dimensions for green public open space, green infrastructure and WSUD associated with new developments.
A consortium led by Seed Consulting in association with Ekistics and Designflow, has carriage of the Green infrastructure and WSUD performance based planning policy project on behalf of the partners. The project team are now working to build upon SA practitioner views, together with their research of leading planning policy both nationally and internationally to recommend a practical policy approach that can deliver more liveable, water sensitive communities.
Photo: Andrew King
Photo: Baden Myers
Photo: Sam Noonan