Willoughby strategy - esd step in right direction

Wednesday, 24 October 2001 10:00

Total Environment Centre (TEC) Urban Campaigner Mr Leigh Martin said "The draft plan is a worthwhile contribution to reducing the consumption of natural resources and ensuring that development is placed on a more environmentally sustainable footing, with a few improvements it could be even better".

Key features of the plan, which will guide residential, commercial and industrial development in Willoughby, include:

· Requirements that building designs promote energy efficiency by maximising solar access, correct orientation of windows and shading, use of wall and ceiling insulation, and selection of energy efficient appliances and hot water.
· Encouraging rainwater tanks and greywater recycling for non-drinking purposes such as watering gardens and flushing toilets.
· Use of physical pest control methods, instead of harmful chemical treatments.
· Recycling of 80% of construction waste and provisions of composting facilities for at least 75% of greenwaste.
· Promoting the use of sustainable building materials and avoiding the use of Australian and imported rainforest timbers.

"These are excellent ideas, and, the plan should be improved by requiring plantation timber to be used in all development, using locally native plant species for all landscaping and maximising access to public transport. There should also be less discretion for developers to avoid the new environmental principles", Mr Martin said.

In addition to protecting the environment, the draft plan, and suggested improvements, would also provide significant financial and lifestyle benefits for Willoughby residents.
"Promoting ESD will provide major benefits for residents by reducing electricity and water bills and creating a cleaner, healthier local environment in which to live" Mr Martin said.