Green praise for Blue Ridge

An innovative residential development at Blackwater has been recognised by an independent green rating tool for its outstanding achievement in delivering environmentally sustainable design.

Blue Ridge, being developed by the Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA), has been awarded EnviroDevelopment certification for outstanding environmentally sustainable design in the areas of energy, materials, waste, water and community.

Located around 200 km west of Rockhampton, Blue Ridge is a 9.9 ha residential development.

National EnviroDevelopment Manager Kirsty Chessher said Blue Ridge has ticked many boxes in providing quality affordable housing solutions for Blackwater.

“Due to its proximity to multiple resource projects, Blackwater has been crying out for affordable housing stock to support the local community,” Chessher said.

“It is fantastic to see the ULDA not only address the land supply constraints in this region, but also set a new benchmark for the provision of sustainable communities in regional areas.”

Blue Ridge has recently been fast-tracked by the Queensland Government to address the stresses on land supply and housing in this region in the shortest possible time.

The development is part of the ‘My Place’ initiative, an affordable housing program being rolled out through the ULDA’s residential projects across Queensland which is designed to provide people on low to moderate incomes with opportunities to enter the property market.

The development will comprise of 126 lots, generally ranging in size from 320 to 1000 m², and will ultimately accommodate up to 200 homes.

Chessher said quality of life had been a focus at the development, which features views of the Blackdown Tableland National Park and easy access to the town centre via bikeways and walkways.

“Community is an important element of EnviroDevelopment and Blue Ridge has earned this through multiple cohesive initiatives, including the appointment of a dedicated community liaison officer to facilitate regular community activities and liaise with other community groups,” she said.

Other sustainability highlights include the use of modular building to reduce waste, reticulated gas, solar passive design to reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling, use of low-emission paints, sealants and adhesives, and measures to significantly reduce external water usage.

The ULDA has sought to upgrade an existing community park located along Bauman Way as part of the development of Blue Ridge.