Australian Significant Landscapes

The Inaugural List - announced October 2006

Media release

The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects has introduced the national list of Australian Significant Landscapes.

The listing identifes significant designed sites and urban spaces that have either retained the integrity of the original design and/or been managed with the clear intention to evolve the design towards defined and articulated stewardship objectives.

The AILA recognises that designed landscapes should be allowed to evolve and may go through processes of change.

Once identified, the AILA will put in place advocacy and promotional activities to ensure these designed landscapes are recognised by the relevant authorities and maintained accordingly.

To be considered to be listed as a 'Significant Landscape', the landscape should satisfy the majority of the following criteria:

• It is at least five years old.
• It has been planned and/or designed by a Landscape Architect, or a Landscape Architect played a critical role in the development of the landscape.
• It has retained the integrity of the original design and/or been managed with the clear intention to evolve the design towards defined and articulated stewardship objectives.
• It is viewed as being based on an innovative and/or creative design solution.
• It remains an outstanding example of Landscape Architecture.
• It has attained or surpassed its original goals through creative and positive management practices.
• The landscape's value as an ongoing integral part of the local community and the extent to which it has received local acknowledgment and acclaim since its establishment.
• The landscape continues to contribute significantly to the public realm as the focus of ongoing educational research and study and critical acknowledgement.

Consideration to be given to other factors including:

• The landscape's ongoing conceptual and experiential power.
• The influence on or use by the general public.
• Public accessibility.
• General popularity and relevance to the public.
• Ecological and heritage issues.

Special consideration is given to historic landscapes that while not designed by a landscape architect remain as significant Australian designed landscapes, such as certain botanic gardens or Sydney's Centennial Park.

The first listing of Australian Significant Landscapes was announced in October 2006. More sites are being identified as significant and are being added to the listing.

An example of Significant Landscapes

Inaugural Listing

AILA National Initiatives

Significant Landscapes

Stewardship Awards

Sites @ Risk (to be announced later)

For more information, contact either your state group or the National Office.