We have an ambitious goal of delivering Australia’s first carbon neutral township, taking full responsibility for emissions contained in development infrastructure, while also creating a platform for zero carbon living.

This page summarises the work we have done, and the approach we have developed with project stakeholders to date. As we receive feedback from stakeholders, we will be refine our approach and release more detailed information.

We have built a bottom-up model of carbon emissions expected during the development of Clarkefield including those from laying roads, footpaths, critical infrastructure, and emissions from heavy vehicles.

We are also working with suppliers to source low emission products, such as concrete and asphalt with recycled content, and zero emission fuel options for heavy machinery, such as biodiesel from waste products.

For the balance of carbon emissions that we can't reduce to zero, we plan to work with a carbon offset partner in order to create a certifiable carbon offset project.

The following graph summarises our approach, including key sources of emissions.

We are currently in the early stages of developing a Carbon Offset Project. We are exploring investment in a diverse forestry asset that would be developed and managed by a specialist enterprise partner. The forest would serve the following functions:

• Draw down carbon to deliver the emission reductions required within a ten or twenty year timeframe - tradeoffs between cost and timeframe are to be explored;
• Grow a mix of timber species that can be harvested for building materials, firewood and other niche applications. Harvesting would be done selectively, with the forest managed as a permanent asset producing a steady state of timber and carbon product.

In order to give residents the best possible chance of living a carbon neutral lifestyle, we envision Clarkefield as a platform for zero carbon living.

For us, this means working with project partners to ensure 100% renewable energy supply, electric transport options and sustainable food supply are all available as residents arrive.

The following graphic summarises our approach to carbon neutral living in Clarkefield.

By working with specialist project partners, we aim to ensure that sustainability solutions are backed by viable commercial models, making them affordable and financially sustainable in the long term. For example:

• We are in active discussion with project partners who can invest in a shared solar farm, alongside rooftop solar and smart energy management, while retailing 100% renewable energy to residents at lower than grid prices. Our plans include scoping options for community ownership of the solar asset;
• We are examining best practice options for zero emission transport for Clarkefield including shared transport assets (bikes, electric bikes, electric cars) which give residents access to affordable and diverse transport options that reduce or eliminate the need for cars.

There will be more information provided about our solar partner, and our “e-mobility” strategy as we progress discussions with potential partners.

Affordable housing

Our plans include allocating a percentage of housing stock across the Clarkefield and the Town Centre to affordable housing.

To this end we expect that Clarkefield will be Australia’s first new township development to use the Permanent Rental Affordability Development Solution (PRADS) model to achieve integrated affordable housing.

This will see a proportion of rental accommodation restricted to a maximum of 80% of the market rent for the life of the dwelling.

The PRADS model relies on privately owned rental housing, rented at below market rents, to tenants with incomes that satisfy the definition of affordable housing (under the Planning and Environment Act 1987). The model has been created to assist key workers to find affordable living in well located communities.[1]

Sustainable water use

The Clarkefield Town Centre will be a net importer of recycled water. This means we will be using more treated waste water than is sent to be treated. This principle will be incorporated into the wider vision for the Clarkefield.

Bringing treated water supply to Clarkefield will reduce recycled water releases and treat wastewater as a resource for the community.

We have been working with Western Water who have advised that it is possible for Clarkefield Town Centre to be serviced by the Riddells Creek Recycled Water Plant and the Gisborne-Macedon-Riddells Creek water supply network.

This will see recycled water available for irrigation, toilet flushing and laundry use within the development and aim to promote urban greening and reduce the urban 'heat island' effect.

We will include wetlands and raingardens in public open spaces around Clarkefield. This water sensitive urban design will reduce pollutant loads of stormwater entering Jacksons Creek.