The largest mixed-use development ever undertaken by a single owner in Australia, Stockland's Caloundra South development in Queensland, has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council of Australia.

A community for 50,000 people, the project will grow over the next three decades to be a similar size and scale to Maroochydore, Hervey Bay or Gladstone.

Stockland wants the development to become a model for environmentally sensitive urban design. It will rehabilitate more than 700 hectares, nearly one-third of the site which has been used as a pine plantation for decades, into a conservation area.

The developer will also create new habitats for rare and endangered flora and fauna species and fauna underpasses at every major creek crossing. Caloundra South will also see the most advanced water reticulation, filtration, storage and treatment system ever installed in any Australian city.

Social measures of the project include an environmental education facility that will run sustainability awareness programs for residents and local school children, and a dedicated Caloundra South economic development strategy that will target the creation of 19,500 direct jobs.

GBCA CEO Romilly Madew said Stockland’s achievement cannot be understated. “Stockland’s 6 Star Green Star rating for Caloundra South demonstrates that it is possible to undertake a development of unprecedented scale and achieve world class environmental and social outcomes,” she said.

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