Preserving Whiterock: Exploring Connected Communities Inspired by Nature
Whiterock is committed to providing a sustainable and environmentally focused community that respects the site’s natural heritage, creating a future-proofed lifestyle for generations to come.
There are over 750 species of flora and fauna that call the 2,500-hectare reserve that borders Whiterock home. This is a key driver of our commitment to ensuring Whiterock has a well-equipped and researched environmental plan from the outset of the project.
Not only does this ensure that these species and the natural ecology remain protected and undisturbed, but it also ensures the project can add significant environmental value to the local area whilst achieving our goal of providing necessary housing.
Recently, we spoke with Jeffrey Behrendorff, Development Manager for Whiterock, on the environmental plans and vision for the project.
Our Vision
As an ode to its natural history, each aspect of Whiterock has been carefully considered to mitigate its impact on the existing ecosystem, including a series of sustainable initiatives and long-term preservation plans.
“Our core vision for the community of Whiterock is to offer a community that is intrinsically connected to the natural world in every facet, focusing on and encouraging outdoor recreational pursuits for better health and well-being,” explained Jeffrey.
In addition to this focus, the overall masterplan of Whiterock has been designed as a connected, walkable community to reduce reliance on carbon-emitting transportation for a more sustainable lifestyle.
As the eastern gateway of the Ripley Valley, Whiterock is an important contributor to housing and the urban evolution of the region as populations rise.
“While access to housing remains a key focus, we understand the importance of respecting and preserving the natural resources of a location so that we can ensure it is enjoyed by future generations,” continued Jeffrey.
“Whiterock has been designed to take advantage of its incredible natural resources, while still adhering to the needs of its community.”
The masterplan of Whiterock will see the creation of a bounty of resident amenities that will work in tandem with the neighbouring reserve, including parks, playgrounds, community spaces, schools, sporting grounds and dining precincts.
Preserving History
As part of Whiterock’s commitment to environmental protection, key steps have been devised to benefit the local area. These include:
- The retention of approximately 200 hectares of forest in addition to the existing conservation reserve
- A 20-year vegetation management program to remove Lantana and improve Koala and Greater Glider habitats
- A 20-year pest management program that aims to reduce the presence of feral species and preserve existing native fauna
- Propagation and planting of endangered weeping paperbark (Melaleuca irbyana) from local species
In addition to these steps, we have also implemented a range of sustainable building practices, designed to minimise the impact on local plants and wildlife, including:
- Installation of a dedicated fauna crossing and fauna fencing along the estate’s primary thoroughfare, Sandstone Boulevard
- Ensuring the use of endemic species in all landscaping throughout the development
- The use of specific types of fencing adjacent to the conservation reserve to minimise injury to wildlife, and ensuring no Koala food trees are planted within the estate to encourage wildlife to remain within the conservation reserve
- The implementation of a specific colour of lighting within streetlights that actively reduces the impact on fauna
Ensuring a Future-proofed Community
Beyond the development of a well-connected community that promotes healthier lifestyles, our plans and the actions we take also focus on how the development will evolve over time.
In certain months, Whiterock and the greater Ipswich region receive heavy rains and flood water that can cause significant impacts on local communities.
“A key step in future-proofing is understanding the natural elements of the site and how we can address certain aspects that are out of our control,” explains Jeffrey.
“To assist in reducing the impact of these weather patterns, we have devised a comprehensive stormwater management system that leverages the topography of the site through a series of what we call, green fingers,” continued Jeffrey.
These strategically placed greenspaces utilise the natural elements of the site to create a natural stormwater management system, designed to manage water levels and direct water flows away from housing and communal spaces.
With an array of natural assets both within the site and the surrounding areas, Whiterock presents the perfect combination of the natural and built form to create a seamless, connected community for all who are lucky to call it home.
