UDIA says Moreton Bay sets new benchmarks for the sector

GEMLIFE MORETON BAY HAS IMPRESSED THE UDIA ENVIRODEVELOPMENT BOARD, WITH THE AMOUNT OF LAND SET ASIDE FOR REHABILITATION AND PROTECTION BEING A STANDOUT FEATURE OF THE RESORT’S MASTER PLAN.

GemLife Moreton Bay has achieved six out of six ‘leaves’ for the elements assessed under the program which includes ecosystems, community, energy, water, materials, and waste – earning full EnviroDevelopment certification.

At a recent site visit, UDIA Board Member and urban designer Kirsten Wilson said she was struck by the vision and design principles behind the GemLife Moreton Bay master plan, describing the project as unique and offering future residents something truly special.

“I haven’t seen anything like this in my experience with retirement communities and, for that matter, master planned communities,” Kirsten said.

“A key focus has been to achieve strong connections throughout – it’s been designed to nestle within its existing environment. It’s apparent that it’s not just a stock standard, grid-based community. This community has gone out of its way to not fit that mould, and that differentiating quality is going to shine and create something really special here,” she said.

Kirsten added that the plan felt open, welcoming and connected, creating a sense of community through its design.

“The master plan is very natural, very organic and it’s been shaped with connectivity between residents in mind. There are strong green links between the houses that connect to a variety of community spaces which is important,” she said.

“One thing that also stood out was that there are no rear neighbours. Such a unique element helps define this community as something completely different, offering immense value to residents.”

UDIA Director of Sustainability and Research Taylor Hood said the EnviroDevelopment Board, which is comprised of 12 industry experts from across Australia, had been particularly impressed by the significant swathes of land earmarked for rehabilitation and protection.

“It’s evident the site is incredibly special from a natural amenity point of view and the master plan will protect as much of this as possible,” he said.

“GemLife Moreton Bay is absolutely going above and beyond to enhance and protect the natural ecosystem which will thrive well after this community has been established. We’re proud to be certifying this project and look forward to seeing this development come to fruition.”