AWARD TO

IAN BRASHAW URBANPLAN
BRIAN BLAKEMAN SURVEYS LOW
ECOLOGICAL DON VEAL CONSULTING

PROJECT
OORAMINNA OAKS RESIDENTIAL LIVING

This Award is for a planning intiative, effort or leadershop that has resulted in positive planning outcomes in the face of difficult or trying circumstances.

The Ooraminna Oaks Rural Residential Living project was a longstalled subdivision design and application for 86 lots south of Alice Springs. Initially, the project received detailed criticism from various government agencies for failing to address Planning Scheme provisions and Land Suitability Assessment principles.

In devising a scope for the design process, urbanplan examined
the proposal in detail, conducted site visits, reviewed previous land
suitability Assessments and liaised extensively with all government agencies to confirm the direction forward.

The outcome was approval of a revised site responsive design, acknowledging the sensitive desert geomorphology of the Simpson Desert dunes, minimising environmental impact and creating a viable solution that avoided an obtrusive development footprint. The judges acknowledged that this project was a real example of ‘Territory tough’ perseverance and demonstrated resolve to meet and address the identified planning challenges, even in the midst of personal challenges.

Physical constraints, and sensitivities for the surrounding environment needed to be carefully considered and overcome. The Ooraminna development could not have been approved without the strong partnership between the project team of landowner Jan Hayes, Ian Bradshaw of urbanplan, Brian Blakeman Surveys, Low Ecological Services and Don Veal Consulting, and the robust planning process to eventual approval undertaken. It is a testament to the integrity of the idea and the commitment to the vision. For a standalone regional project with limited resources, this was a huge achievement and truly a hard-won victory within the Territory.