23 Oct 2017
23 Octover 2017
Victorians have more certainty in a more sustainable and prosperous future, as the release of the draft Framework for Fishermans Bend signals a commitment to world-class sustainable outcomes.
Romilly Madew, the chief executive officer of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), has congratulated the Victorian Government, Minister for Planning Richard Wynne, and the Fishermans Bend Taskforce for their vision and leadership.
“The draft Framework demonstrates how sustainability can act as a multiplier for better economic and social outcomes across the community,” Ms Madew says.
“Victorians rightly expect that Fishermans Bend will deliver a city for the next generation – one that provides a liveable and prosperous community for the 80,000 workers and 80,000 residents who will call it home.
“But importantly, the jobs, growth and housing will be achieved in parallel with a high quality, resilient built environment. And it will be supported by long-term infrastructure planning that builds connections, fosters diversity and respects local heritage.”
The Fishermans Bend urban renewal project is the largest of its kind in Australia. It is larger than every other urban renewal project in Victoria combined.
The Framework embeds the Green Star – Communities principles and credits. Ms Madew says “this demonstrates the value of a Green Star Communities-led approach to large-scale urban renewal”.
The Victorian Government’s Framework requires ‘new developments to meet 4 Star Green Star Standards or equivalent now, and clearly indicate future increases to performance requirements’.
“Given the complexity and breadth of the site, we applaud the Victorian Government’s decision to benchmark each new development on the site against the 4 Star Green Star rating requirements,” Ms Madew adds.
“Achieving certification will give the community confidence that the outcomes outlined in the Framework are being met – and that Fishermans Bend is a place that all Australians can take pride in,” she says.
Ms Madew says the Victorian Government’s goal to create a low-carbon community that maximises renewable energy generation and storage is “laudable”.
“The exploration of precinct-wide sustainable energy generation and distribution reflects a 21st century vision for energy security that meets our international commitments,” she adds.
“The Green Building Council of Australia looks forward to working with the government to supports its zero emissions strategy, and its transition plan to improve the energy performance of the state’s buildings,” Ms Madew concludes.