9th August 2022
With the passing of the climate change legislation through the lower house last week one could almost begin to hope that the vacuum in leadership in Australia in developing a considered and urgent response to climate change might be finally starting to be filled with a majority consensus supporting the bill. There is still a long way to go but it’s a good start and stands in contrast to the belligerent inertia of the past.
Witnessing the recent flooding throughout NSW it is clear that in both our metropolitan and regional areas standard practices in the design and delivery of new housing, to meet ever increasing demand, needs to change urgently so that our influence is more responsive to Country. Design must seek to limit the processes of vegetation removal, reconfiguring of waterways and bulk export and import of soils which all trigger chain reactions that lead to long term risk, cost and degradation with an influence well beyond the boundary of the site.
The NSW Executive is currently discussing avenues of advocacy where we as a profession can provide leadership in the convergence of the objectives of climate action with the principles of Designing with Country.
I am sure that these topics will be central to the discussions at the National Conference in Brisbane in October. If that piques your interest and you want to find out more there is a Webinar on August 12 with the Festival Country Creative Directorate who will be letting everyone know what to expect when attending this year’s Festival of Landscape Architecture.
If you are feeling unfulfilled and that life is passing you by please allow me to draw your attention to the many exciting opportunities that AILA is currently offering to help you fill that gaping void. Nominations are now open for the very prestigious AILA Board. If that is tempting but you are still yet to be registered, intakes are also open for RLA Mentorships. If you are registered but the AILA Board is a little daunting then AILA is also seeking members for the NSW Interview Panel. For the students and recent graduates there is a face to face event with AILA Fresh on August 18th, a Lighting Workshop with NSW Partner Light Culture & BEGA.
As JFK once said….”Get involved. That’s the secret to life. Try everything. Join everything. Meet everybody”. Have a great week
NSW Vice-President
David Moir