News from AILA Victoria Chapter - November 2025
As the end of year approaches, the AILA executive is already looking forward to 2026, building on the advocacy successes of the last few years, and expanding discussions on landscape architecture in the future.
Tackling global problems
As I write this executive message, COP30 is underway and due to finish this week with nearly 200 countries meeting to tackle climate change. While fossil fuels continue to dominate discussions, UNEP and the Minderoo Foundation have identified key areas for COP30 discussions, and landscape architecture is particularly well-placed to work on many issues including:
- Developing landscapes that are resistant to climate extremes
- Designing out potential disasters using evidence-based design decisions
- Reducing urban heat through nature-based solutions, increasing blue-green infrastructure, and ensuring new housing developments incorporate space for large trees
- Elevating the voices of Traditional Custodians in design processes
- Seeking increased funding and land for public open space and walkable streets
- Advocating for nature-focused housing and industrial development
- Contributing to the development of new climate plans
Building on our political relationships
The AILA executive is strengthening ties with government leaders through advocacy and project visits, building awareness of landscape architecture's impact on expansive political issues such as positive health for populations, climate resilience, and sustainable development. By doing so, AILA aims to foster more informed policy decisions and generate increased support for landscape initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to communities.
One such topic we are exploring is how we can use technology to track the impact of good design on population health over long periods. Australia is seeing health issues emerge in children due to lower time spent outside or walking to school, with serious health impacts developing later in life. Watch this space!
Get involved
If you have particular ideas about the future of landscape architecture, please contact us. We would love to hear from you.
Robyn Mansfield, AILA VIC Executive Member