Achieve a balanced and sustainable outcome within the urban environment that ensures attractive, safe, accessible and adaptable places and that contributes to a distinctive identity and sense of place.

Guiding Principles

The importance of the incorporation of key principles for development in the pursuit of design excellence and sustainability is well recognised. Sustainable Development involves the integration of many factors which can be difficult to realise in some cases. However, the opportunity to achieve the best outcomes can be greatly enhanced by identifying critical factors early in the process and by following a number of steps through the planning and design process of each project to ensure that key objectives of sustainability are met.

• Context - Understand the context and all its characteristics, conditions and relationships
• Design Response - Site-specific urban and building design that responds to the climate and develops a local identity and sense of place
• Natural environment - Protect and enhance natural systems, bio-diversity, landform and ecology
• Resource efficiency - Efficient and appropriate use of natural resources, materials, energy and water
• Urban Structure - Connectivity and legibility through a clear network and hierarchy of streets and spaces
• Vibrant places - Stimulating and enjoyable places that support the economy, and provide convenience and choice for a wide range of users
• Land Use, Density and Mix - A diverse mix of uses and buildings forms, densities and housing types to meet local needs
• Public Domain - People friendly streets and well defined open spaces that are interesting, active, welcoming, safe and accessible
• Built Form - High quality accessible buildings and structures that are fit for purpose, meet local needs and respond to the climate and context
• Adaptability - Building and spaces that respond to future changes in use, lifestyle and demography