First Queensland project signs up for Green Star - Communities

A new development in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions is set to achieve a Green Star - Communities rating.

Ecco Ripley, located 5 km from the centre of Ipswich, is the first in Queensland to be accepted as a project for the newly released Green Star - Communities PILOT rating tool.

Green Star - Communities is an independent, national rating tool developed by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) to support the design and delivery of more sustainable, productive, resilient and liveable communities.

“With its commitment to achieve a Green Star - Communities rating, Ecco Ripley will be assessed against best-practice benchmarks for liveability, prosperity, environmental sustainability, design excellence, governance and innovation,” said GBCA Chief Executive Romilly Madew.

Sekisui House Australia President and Managing Director Toru Abe said the Sekisui House vision for Ecco Ripley is to create a truly smart, sustainable and vibrant community.

“Sekisui House is honoured to be accepted as a pilot project for Green Star - Communities as we believe a sustainable society is one based on a balanced, global ecosystem where all people can live in comfort, both now and for generations to come,” Abe said.

“The design and development of Ecco Ripley is based on four key design pillars: environment, connected, community and opportunity and we look forward to delivering this vision for the Ipswich region.

“Aiming to set a new benchmark for developing a new community, Sekisui House is committed to providing a smart and sustainable community that fosters a harmonious relationship between the natural environment and the bricks and mortar, ensuring a living space that is relaxed and flowing,” Abe said.

Ipswich Mayor Cr Paul Pisasale said Ecco Ripley would celebrate the best in collaboration of Japanese and Australian innovation and technology.

“Ecco Ripley will be a landmark community that positions Ipswich at the forefront of sustainable development in Australia and we are excited to be part of this new era in master-planned communities,” Pisasale said.

“What people can expect to see from Ecco Ripley is a development that is friendly with the community, friendly with the environment and, more importantly, a development that reflects a direction we need to go in as a community.

“Communities like Ecco Ripley represent the future of community building in Australia and we are excited that Sekisui House has chosen Ipswich to pioneer this change,” Pisasale said.

Ripley Valley is expected to house 10% of South East Queensland's population growth over the next 20 years. The region will have about 120,000 new residents and an estimated 50,000 homes at ultimate completion.

Madew said: “We applaud Sekisui House for making this commitment to sustainability. A Green Star - Communities rating will provide independent proof for the residents, businesses and investors that Ecco Ripley is one of Australia’s greenest communities - one that balances environmental, economic and social sustainability and supports a future that is vibrant, liveable and resilient.”