Banksia Grove News

Banksia Grove Awarded 2008 Waterwise Land Developer

Banksia Grove has been awarded WA’s leading Waterwise Land Developer at the recent Water Awards and finalist in the 2008 overall award for excellence.

The judges said Banksia Grove used a number of incentives to minimise water use including retaining a high proportion of native vegetation, harvesting and replanting native species and smart irrigation control systems that turn off following the detection of sufficient rain.

As an Accredited Waterwise Developer, Banksia Grove has developed a series of waterwise initiatives designed to reduce water consumption within the estate.

Developers the Department of Housing and Works, PRM Property Group and the Walker Corporation, have incorporated initiatives such as retaining and replanting native vegetation which has a low irrigation requirement.

Every new purchaser receives a waterwise irrigation package as part of their block purchase. This package includes a sophisticated irrigation controller and ‘smart’ rain sensor system, which shuts down when there is sufficient moisture in the soil, and reactivates in time of need. It also has the ability to record water usage, which enables patterns to be established in this growing community.

Additionally free landscaping which is provided to the front of each block is professionally landscaped using native plants which look great and have low water requirements.

Property owners are also encouraged to plant their own waterwise gardens using native plants and are provided with educational material and waterwise rebate information.

According to Banksia Grove General Manager Tony Naughtin, saving water and encouraging residents to use water wisely fits well with the overall environmental and sustainability initiatives of the development, particularly as the estate has over 20% landscaped parks, native gardens and retained bushland.

“We believe reducing our water usage is an achievable objective by reducing turf areas, using a high proportion of retained vegetation and harvesting and replanting native species” he added.