17 March 2010
Leaders from one of the world’s largest engineering,
architectural and environmental consulting firms, GHD, shared their
insights on climate change and property development in a changing
world at the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA)
National Congress in Sydney last week.
The event kicked off at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition
Centre on Monday 8 March and concluded with a gala awards dinner on
Wednesday 10 March at Luna Park.
GHD Principal Environmental Scientist Daniel Williams spoke on
“The Implications of Climate Change for Planning and Development.”
In his presentation, Daniel addressed how the urban development
industry can adequately consider and respond to the challenges of
climate change as well as options for managing risks during the
planning process. He gave examples of planning and development
projects that have tackled these issues.
Daniel is experienced in developing, executing and monitoring
environmental projects and coastal developments affected by sea
change. He has a strong background in sea level rise and
biodiversity, large-scale ecological projects, master planning,
open space design, legislation and government policy.
GHD Principal Planner Vivian Straw took presenting to a new
level at the congress by delivering an e-presentation, which was
available on a number of computers around the conference
centre.
Vivian’s theme, titled “Leadership in the Property Industry:
Does Fortune Favour the Bold?”, reviewed changes to urban planning
and the shift in thinking of the property industry. Vivian explored
the thought that economic, social and environmental decision-making
processes are more inclusive than they used to be.
“Technology has a significant impact on the way we work,
commute, recreate and relate to our surroundings. We’re slowly
moving away from the garden city concept, green building
initiatives and integrated water design toward green precincts and
from green economies to blue economies,” explained Vivian.
“This shift means that the leader of tomorrow is the explorer of
today,” concluded Vivian.
GHD was the sponsor of the Urban Renewal Award presented at the
UDIA Gala Dinner held in Luna Park on Wednesday, 10 March. Peter
Evans, Business Leader NSW/ACT, Urban Development, GHD presented
the award.
For more information please contact Kane Dowsett