Your Development

Developed by the Urban Land Development Authority, Fitzgibbon Chase is demonstrating that through careful and detailed planning, environmental outcomes can be achieved whilst maintaining sound commercial outcomes. From the outset, it was an objective of the Fitzgibbon development to be a future case study for sustainable development to show that sustainability principals can be integrated with minimal cost if focused on early in the process.

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Ecosystems

More than 55 per cent of the entire Urban Development Area will remain green space and the important environment values will be protected and preserved including a significant portion of vegetation around Cabbage Tree Creek and the local wildlife population including a colony of squirrel gliders.

A large proportion of the site was previously used for cattle farming. Fauna studies identified tusk frogs and squirrel gliders as endangered, while extensive flora studies identified areas of significant vegetation on the site. Early during the planning stage wildlife links were identified for retention and high quality vegetation retained and enhanced. In total over 50 hectares of the site are remaining as bushland and open space. The ULDA undertook the following steps to optimise ecosystem retention:

• Extensive site analysis to identify flora, fauna, hydrological and landscape characteristics.
• Maintenance and enhancement of buffer zones to reduce fragmentation through development zones, wildlife corridors and fauna crossings.
• Incorporation of best practice Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principals by designing central bio-retention swales, bio-retention ponds, stormwater detention basins and maximising low lying parkland to mitigate flood waters in peak times.
• Control of the amount of non-permeable pavements through sizing requirements in the project’s design guidelines and encouragement of the use of permeable surfaces throughout.
• Retention and enhancement of significant parcels of high quality bushland.
• Control of plant varieties utilised throughout the development through prohibition of invasive species by including a detailed plant list as part of the design guidelines.

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Waste

• Construction waste is taken to an on-site recycling plant and re-used on site wherever possible.
• Building partners are reducing off-cuts through design management (i.e. maximising standard product sizes)
• Every dwelling is provided with a compost bin to compost green waste.

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Energy

Fitzgibbon Chase is forecast to achieve a significant reduction in energy. Renewable energy will be incorporated into public buildings. Energy use will be decreased by incorporating passive solar design into the master planning and building design. The following requirements are incorporated into the design guidelines which formed part of the sales contracts.

• All dwellings to achieve a minimum of 6 star energy rating (note, several houses have already achieved 7 and 8 star energy ratings), reducing demand for heating and cooling.
• As a minimum ceiling fans are installed in all bedrooms to reduce the dependence on air-conditioning.
• Buildings are designed to maximise solar orientation and passive design
• Renewable energy encouraged with no restriction on positioning
• Gas boosted solar hot water systems required
• 100% energy efficient lighting and energy efficient appliances
• Gas cook tops are required with range-hoods flued to the outside of the building

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Materials

• A minimum of 40% materials in civil and site works are to be from a recycled or reused source, including recycled aggregate used under road bases and green concrete.
• A minimum of 20% of building materials to be recycled, recyclable or otherwise environmentally responsible.
• Materials are locally sourced, wherever possible.
• Material restrictions including requirements for low voc paints, adhesives and floor coverings.
• Low life cycle materials encouraged to reduce maintenance.

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Water

Water management design at Fitzgibbon is designed to significantly reduce potable water demand. The following requirements have been incorporated into the development design guidelines: 

• All detached dwelling to have 5000L tank
• All attached dwellings to have a 3000L tank
• Rainwater tanks to be reticulated to the toilets, laundry and external taps
• 3 star WELS fittings installed in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries
• 4 star dual flush toilet systems
• Flow restrictors
• Large scale rain water harvesting opportunities have been identified and final feasibility is underway.
• Public spaces have been designed to require minimal irrigation

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Community

In addition to a diverse mix of lot sizes, densities, housing types and designs, there will be an extensive network of pedestrian and cycle paths to ensure the area is well connected and a pedestrian-friendly community. The pedestrian and cycle paths will be designed to link the area with the 40 hectares of retained bushland conservation space, Carseldine Rail Station, future Busway station and adjoining areas.