Stockland’s new Aura community on the Sunshine Coast has taken out its third major award this year after winning the Environmental Excellence category in the 2017 UDIA Queensland Awards for Excellence.
The accolade comes on top of two other prestigious awards presented to the project this year: the national Project Innovation award at the 2017 Property Council of Australia Innovation & Excellence Awards, for world-leading sustainability initiatives and a unique approach to community consultation; and the Erosion Sediment Control (ESC) Leadership Award at the 2017 Healthy Land and Water Awards.
Ben Simpson, Stockland Regional Manager for Aura, said he was delighted with the ongoing industry recognition for the outstanding environmental initiatives being carried out at the $5 billion project.
“We are honoured to receive this prestigious state award and we would like to thank everyone involved in ensuring Aura continues to lead the charge for sustainability in Queensland,” Mr Simpson said.
Mark Stephens, Senior Environment and Community Development Manager for Aura, said the award acknowledged Stockland’s pioneering approach to environmental protection and their commitment to the creation of a healthy and sustainable community for generations to come.
“The judges were impressed with the depth and breadth of initiatives that form part of Aura’s design DNA, including approaches to water management, energy conservation, waste management in construction and community-led biodiversity programs,” Mr Stephens said.
“The award also acknowledges our world-leading initiatives for protecting the Pumicestone Passage and tributaries and the outstanding collaborative efforts of the Aura Engagement Excellence Program stakeholders.”
The Aura Engagement Excellence Program is co-ordinated by independent organisation, Healthy Land and Water, and includes more than 18 community stakeholder groups working in close collaboration with Stockland.
The group’s commitment and drive has resulted in improvements to the Aura masterplan, research partnerships with universities and community-led rehabilitation initiatives.
Aura is the Green Building Council of Australia’s highest ranked 6 Star Green Star – Communities greenfield project and the first new city in the nation to be designed and constructed to the world’s highest environmental and sustainability standards.
Covering 24 square kilometres, Aura is the largest masterplanned community ever undertaken in Australia under single ownership, as well as the nation’s largest wetland rehabilitation and stormwater treatment project.
More than 700 hectares, or nearly one-third of the site, will be rehabilitated and designated as a conservation area.
“We are extremely proud of our achievements which altogether highlight that Aura is one of the most thriving and sustainable places in Australia for people to call home,” Mr Stephens said.
