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AILA Chapter Awards 2024

The AILA Chapter Awards this year showcased a broad array of outstanding projects – from integrating tree preservation strategies, to the creation of flexible gathering spots. Many entrants successfully harnessed community involvement, resulting in benefits not only for the environment, but for society. Submissions that were quick to turn around and those that took years to finalise were rewarded. “Some projects were delivered in multiple stages over two decades, often on controversial projects with little public recognition,” said NSW Jury Chair Kate Luckraft. Urbis won three awards at the Queensland ceremony, including Health and Education, Civic Places and Play Spaces. “I can tell you that these recognitions are incredibly meaningful,” said Urbis Landscape Architect, Cassandra Friday, in Brisbane. “Winning an award, such as the one for the Barrambin/Victoria Park Shelters …

  • 21 aug 2024
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Wicking beds keep plants healthy and save water and labour

Linea Planters and Frame Planters are keeping plants healthy while reducing maintenance costs, thanks to wicking beds. Wicking beds by WaterUps save up to 80% of water when compared with traditional drip irrigation. According to WaterUps, watering is only necessary every two weeks in summer, decreasing to four weeks in autumn and six weeks in winter.  Wollongong City Council first installed wicking beds in their planters in 2019. Before installation the Council’s gardeners were watering their plants two to three times a week.  “Now, when it gets warm, we’re probably just doing it once a week, depending on what’s in there and how big the pot is,” says Wollongong Council horticulturist Peter Parsons. There are currently 240 planters across Wollongong CBD maintained by the council, with about 90% watered with …

  • 24 jul 2024
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