Aurora

Aurora was the first greenfield development of its size to mandate 6-star energy efficiency to all homes and incorporate minimum sustainability initiatives, leading the way for the implementation of these standards in Victoria. These include:

• Water sensitive urban design using swales and rain gardens in streetscapes and public reserves
• Regeneration and enhancement of Edgars Creek waterway throughout the development
• Fibre to the Home (FTTH) infrastructure to approximately 1,500 homes, providing high speed internet services
• Third (purple) pipe infrastructure, delivering recycled water to all homes and public amenities
• Habitat conservation and enhancement of endangered and protected flora and fauna
• Several Kangaroo Management Plans to ensure the wellbeing of kangaroos and the safety of the community
• Solar power infrastructure to parklands
• Passive solar design to maximise natural resources and reduce energy consumption in homes
• Solar hot water systems to all homes
• 4 and 5-star heating, cooling and appliances, and AAA efficient water fixtures to homes

The Aurora project was instrumental in the development of an industry-wide Sustainable Community Rating tool, which was developed in partnership with the Urban Development Institute of Australia, the Property Council of Australia and the Municipal Association of Victoria.

A key sustainable feature of Aurora is its recycled water system. Aurora is the first development of its kind to incorporate wastewater recycling and reuse as well as internal household water management.  Wastewater from kitchens, bathrooms and laundries is collected from all homes and treated through a local sewerage plant to Class A standard, as defined by the EPA. From there it is directed through a third pipe back to homes for toilet flushing, garden watering and car washing.

An extensive network of public open space and passive recreational areas within the development are irrigated using the recycled water.