The Challenge
A Mirvac development in Doncaster, Victoria, was repurposed from an old golf course into a large, well-forested residential community. While the goal was to create a vibrant new neighbourhood, preserving and enhancing the area's ecological value was equally critical.
A significant challenge arose when a previous contractor’s poor execution led to safety incidents, prompting Mirvac to seek a more capable and strategic arboriculture partner. Additionally, the estate was to be handed over to the local council upon completion, requiring careful planning to ensure long-term sustainability without placing excessive maintenance burdens on the council.
A strategic approach to conservation
Arborcraft’s approach was centred on balancing development with ecological responsibility. This required close collaboration with Mirvac, the local council, and landscape architects to design a sustainable solution supporting local wildlife while maintaining safety and accessibility for residents.
Wildlife corridor planning: The team mapped out the estate to identify pathways that native animals naturally used, ensuring that tree retention and new habitat installations aligned with these corridors.
Targeted habitat creation: Arborcraft customised tree modifications based on specific wildlife needs instead of generic habitat solutions. Trees were identified and retained based on their ability to house different species, such as sugar gliders, birds, and possums.
Risk mitigation: Creating habitat features in trees requires careful risk assessment. The team ensured that all modifications were strategically placed to avoid hazards in high-traffic areas like footpaths while maintaining ecological benefits.
Council engagement and long-term planning: Since the estate would eventually transition to council management, Arborcraft worked closely with the local council to ensure that all conservation efforts were both effective and manageable from a maintenance perspective.
Long-term successful outcomes
Arborcraft’s arboriculture and ecological planning expertise resulted in a thriving, sustainable habitat within the estate. Key outcomes included:
- A fully mapped and implemented wildlife corridor, ensuring safe and natural movement for local species.
- Well-supported biodiversity, with tree modifications tailored to house native fauna.
- Long-term sustainability, balancing conservation efforts with practical maintenance considerations for the council.
- Efficient use of resources, including recycling green waste into garden mulch for the estate.
Due to the success of this project, Mirvac extended Arborcraft’s role to include ongoing maintenance of the estate, reinforcing their trust in our ability to deliver sustainable and strategic arboriculture solutions.
