Riding the wave

In less than a decade city planning has changed dramatically. No longer are cities allowed to simply sprawl at will. Rather, developments are planned with the future in mind, and with sustainable design a key driver.

Perth, the gateway to Western Australia, is setting a benchmark for its innovative solutions to urban development and renewal. And leading the charge is LandCorp, the Western Australian Government's land and property development agent.

With its focus on sustainable development across the state, LandCorp's work is aimed at securing economic and social prosperity for all Western Australians. This means every project is planned to provide social, environmental and economic benefits. Residential developments, for example, do not just provide a house on a piece of land. Each property forms part of a wider community development that caters to a wide range of lifestyles and housing requirements.

Mandurah Ocean Marina, which features on these pages, is a prime example. The development, which has already won nine state and national awards, was a joint project involving LandCorp, the Peel Development Commission, City of Mandurah, Department for Planning and Infrastructure, and the Mandurah Chamber of Commerce.

The completion of the project brings to fruition a 30-year vision for a world-class marina that would provide a lively mix of tourist, retail and residential developments, along with facilities for professional and recreational fishing and boating enthusiasts.

Mandurah Ocean Marina has transformed 40ha of under-utilised Crown land and 20ha of water at Dolphin Pool. The project entailed the construction of an earthen bund, and the drainage of the existing Dolphin Pool area. LandCorp worked closely with the Department of Fisheries to successfully relocate more than 10,000 fish and crabs, and create a new nesting site for migratory fairy terns.

The completed marina comprises two main areas North Harbour and South Harbour which are linked by a pedestrian bridge. The North Harbour includes the main marina, a resort hotel, Dolphin Quay, shopping and leisure facilities. The South Harbour features new homes built along Venetian-style canals, islands and waterways. South Harbour also has its own mini-marina, retail and entertainment facilities.

Story by: Trendsideas