At a time when it is important to consolidate the growth of towns and cities to avoid additional infrastructure costs and intrusion into valuable land, Lismore City Council in northern New South Wales has developed an innovative way of encouraging medium density housing development.
By sponsoring Medium Density Design Awards, Council’s planning strategies have been greatly assisted. The Awards have had the dual benefit of both educating local designers, architects and builders as well as encouraging them to be more innovative in the area of medium density housing. In addition, Council officers, in recognising well designed buildings, are now achieving significant time savings in the processing of Development applications.
Recognition for Lismore’s successful program came this year with a Commendation in the prestigious National Awards for Innovation in Local Government under the ‘Better Cities and Urban Design’ category. The judges stated that this is a simple but tangible product, demonstrating Council’s commitment to good urban design.
“We are delighted that Lismore has received this recognition, especially as the majority of the nationwide competition came from larger metropolitan Councils,” said Ken Gainger, General Manager.
“I believe this Commendation will encourage Lismore designers to produce quality medium density developments and hopefully, increase the appeal of medium density development in our Community.”
For further information contact Jemima Dunn, telephone (066) 250 500.
