The Tweed’s $750 million Seaside estate has become the first coastal community in New South Wales to achieve a rating under the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s (UDIA) EnviroDevelopment scheme.

EnviroDevelopment ratings are given to projects which are deemed leaders in sustainable design.

Developments can be awarded up to six enviro ‘leafs’, which represent different ways of caring for the environment by protecting and preserving water, energy, waste, eco-systems, materials and the community.

Seaside has been awarded a four ‘leaf’ rating for its innovative approach towards sustaining water, energy, community and the local eco-system. As construction advances, Seaside will also be aiming to achieve a rating for the efficient use of building materials and waste.

Marketing director Zel Creswick said gaining EnviroDevelopment certification was a major step forward in cementing Seaside’s reputation as one of Australia’s foremost eco-friendly communities.

“One of the biggest drawcards for Seaside is its natural environment – the development is set along the beachfront and is surrounded by pristine bushland, Cudgen Creek and the Border Ranges,” Ms Creswick said.

“The development team is determined to minimise the impact Seaside has on the environment, and this  ethos is attracting a range of buyers who are increasingly aware of the value of eco-friendly and sustainable  design.

“Seaside’s four ‘leaf’ rating is a sign of our commitment to protecting the Tweed Coast’s natural assets, which will ultimately benefit residents and future generations to come.

“Although Seaside is in the infancy of construction, we have already commenced work on a number of sustainable initiatives.”

To help preserve the local eco-system, Seaside is undertaking one of the most extensive landscaping projects in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales, with 55,000 native trees planted across the site, and another 20,000 still to be planted over the coming months.

Seaside Living homes will be designed to reduce energy and water consumption by at least 55 per cent compared to the average abode, by using eco-features like 4,000 litre rainwater tanks and clean-burning Kleenheat liquid petroleum gas for heating and electricity.

To build the sense of community in the area , the development team engaged in extensive consultation to ensure all relevant stakeholders had input into the creation of Seaside. Numerous cycle ways and walking trails, parks and open spaces will be built to allow residents and visitors to enjoy a lifestyle of leisure and social interest.

Ms Creswick says all residents and visitors will be encouraged to be environmentally responsible.

“There will be a key focus on educating  residents and guests about green living, and there will be design covenants in place to ensure all future dwellings meet EnviroDevelopment standards.

“Prospective purchasers interested in securing an affordable, eco-friendly home can now view plans of Seaside Living homes exclusively for the creekside precinct, which is situated just 300 metres from the beach.”

A limited number of Seaside Living house and land packages are available from $675,000, with home sites also available from $335,000.

Seaside is being developed at the heart of the popular $11.5 billion New Tweed Coast residential and resort strip and will comprise a village centre and retail precinct, tourist accommodation, home sites and medium density homes and apartments for an ultimate population of up to 2,000 people.

For more information please visit www.seasideliving.com.au or contact Peter Chapple on 1800 057 684.