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Award for Land Management in Landscape Architecture
CAIRNLEA
Hassell
The residential suburb of Cairnlea in Melbourne’s
north-west is a striking example of how urban growth and significant
remnant grasslands can exist side by side to peaceful and harmonious
effect.
The project planning began in 1998; a time when the use of
wetlands in suburban developments to reclaim contaminated land, filter and
conserve water and enhance biodiversity was in its infancy. Now, more than
a decade after installation the success of Carinlea’s native wetland
landscape is clearly evident. This success reflects both the visionary
approach captured in its creation along with the persistence, perseverance
and dedication of the landscape architecture team over the ensuing years.
Cairnlea, which began life as a former munitions factory,
now boasts acres of usable public open space, a healthy creek system with
increased bird and aquatic life, and wetland system that filters runoff
from the surrounding streets, and swaths of aesthetic and significant
grasslands. Cairnlea is a clear example of how sensitively integrating
residential and natural landscapes can result in a thoughtful, responsible
and beautiful environment.
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