planning
environment & sustainability 
Sustainability
'The ARA's objective is to build on the community's existing sense of place by establishing Armadale as a centre of excellence in sustainability'.
SUSTAINABILITY AUDIT
The Sustainability Audit was implemented in May 2005 with the opening of the live website. The first of its kind in Western Australia, the Audit is an online assessment tool integrated with the Development Application process and forms the basis for assessing the sustainability of proposed developments in the ARA Redevelopment Areas.
Current Status:
At its meeting in December 2009 the ARA Board resolved to discontinue application of the Audit for residential development on future land releases and/or lots yet to be marketed.
Future Works:
The ARA has analysed the impact of changed market forces and government policy on the requirements for sustainability provisions within future development. Generally, it has been concluded that the Audit requirements have now been overtaken by these external influences and the need for the continued application of the Audit has become redundant.
Rainwater Tanks at Champion Drive
In Stage 1, LandCorp was mandated to have rainwater tanks, whilst this requirement is not mandatory in additional stages, ARA encourages sustainable building design.
Approximately 515 lots, a primary school site and two significant areas of open space began subdivision in early-mid 2006. All single and multi residential dwellings within Stage 1 of the development are required to install a minimum 2500L rainwater tank plumbed to toilets and cold water washing machines outlets and install a rainbank or equivalent water controller system. This requirement has been discontinued for all subsequent land releases within the estate.
DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY
The Armadale Redevelopment Authority believes that by initiating new approaches to development and community building by applying the principles of Sustainability it can establish a “point of difference” for the future Armadale. We have taken a number of steps in the right direction, some were straightforward, and others challenged the way in which we plan and undertake development. Following the release of the Implementation Strategy for Sustainability in 2003, the ARA is working to progress the actions contained in the plan.
Champion Lakes
A total area of approximately 40 hectares will be planted following the construction of the Lakes, including public open space, lake banks and fringing vegetation.
In addition to the recreation and social opportunities, the development will add value to the local environment creating a 54.3ha conservation category wetland area, including 32.7ha of permanent open water. A total area of 21.07 hectares is purposely set aside for conservation including conservation islands, wading bird habitat, and revegetated bush sites. Extensive revegetation programs, weed eradication programs, extensive planting of fringing reeds in the riparian zone, and rehabilitation of the Conservation Category wetland vegetation at Southern River will be undertaken throughout the project.
Wungong Urban Water – A National Demonstration Project
The Wungong Urban Water project has emerged as a national demonstration water sensitive urban design masterplan project. The project has attracted funding from the Australian Government Water Fund for activities assisting in implementing the Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Water Initiative. The funding is facilitated through a Water Smart Australia grant.
Click here to go to the Wungong Urban Water website.
Memoranda of Understanding
Southern River/ Forrestdale/ Brookdale / Wungong
In recognition of the importance of the local river networks, in October 2003 the ARA signed a MoU to preserve and enhance the health of the local river system.
The agreement is with the Environmental Protection Authority, Water and Rivers Commission, WA Planning Commission, City of Armadale, City of Gosnells and the Water Corporation. It is aimed at promoting co-operation in the implementation of the Southern River, Forrestdale, Brookdale and Wungong Urban Water Management Strategy.
Water Management
In February 2004, the ARA and CSIRO signed a MoU to partner and demonstrate best practice in natural resource management, urban water management and built form integration for community development in Armadale.
CSIRO Healthy Country
The ARA is taking part in the CSIRO Healthy Country National Research Flagship, which aims to investigate and implement new initiatives for urban water cycle management in Wungong. Wungong is one of two pilot projects to develop new urban water management systems in this national program.
The challenge is how to drive increased water benefits from Australia's limited water resources in the face of increasing demands from industry, urban development and irrigation, and at the same time achieve healthy rivers and fisheries.
Watersmart Australia
The Australian Government's Water Smart Australia program is part of the $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund. It provides funding for large scale projects that will make a significant contribution to the sustainable and efficient management of Australia's water resources. It is administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
The 55 hectare Champion Drive residential estate as the first housing estate in WA to require the installation of rainwater tanks as a condition of planning approval.
