Wollongong Council has embarked upon an extensive planning process involving a multi million dollar development. Ultimately intended to house up to 60,000 people, it will provide an environmentally sustainable, high quality of life for residents.
The West Dapto Planning Project involves a cooperative effort between Council, the State Government and the private sector providing an opportunity to create a model for new and better urban planning.
A feature of the project is a concerted attempt to have environmental management treated as a fundamental part of planning.
Vaughan McInnes, Coordinator of the Project, said that traditionally Councils have not looked at green space as part of infrastructure but, together with sewerage, transport and storm water, it has implications for future management and costs.
“The driving impetus for planning the development in this way is that Council wanted to do it well and not burden future generations,” he said.
The Project examines the possibilities for ‘just in time’ delivery of infrastructure to minimise costs, and careful strategy to avoid duplication of government services and unnecessary or wasteful expenditure.
Wollongong believes that the planned development offers all spheres of government the opportunity to dramatically alter the management framework and policy formulation for urban development.
It aims to take advantage of the opportunity to repair and enhance land values through the creation of urban forests and wildlife corridors. It will also improve water management to increase its quality and help improve existing catchments.
Economical and environmentally responsible sewerage, dual water supply systems and the creation of integrated transport systems to reduce reliance on the private car are also to be included. Community input to planning and management of essential community facilities will also be a feature of the development.
New residents, expected to start taking up residence in the year 2002, will be well informed about the underlying philosophy of the development and aware of ways in which they can have input in the future. All information will also be available online. The project has won a RAPI award for planning excellence.
For further information contact Vaughan McInnes, telephone (02) 4227 7257.
