Environment

From its inception the Anvil Creek development has been planned with sustainability in mind and determination to become a leading example of sustainable development initiatives. The Masterplan is based on an all encompassing definition of sustainability, including economic and social as well as environmental criteria to shape the way development takes place on the site.

Site Utilization and Design

The site, which has a long history of change including use as a pastoral property, an army training camp and a migrant hostel, is to be transformed into a rural lifestyle residential and resort complex in which the heritage values of the site are preserved or interpreted for the benefit of future generations.

A mix of housing styles and densities are proposed to accommodate a wide diversity of people with an emphasis on maintaining rural outlooks and a sense of space. More than 65% of Anvil Creek will be retained as open space, including over 20Ha of vineyards, an 18 hole golf course, cricket oval and numerous parks and environmental reserves.

Building Design

All buildings will meet or exceed the NSW government’s BASIX requirements. Most homes will have north facing aspects and, together with the resort buildings, will take advantage of passive heating, cross ventilation to minimize air conditioning, full insulation, thermal performance of walls, ceilings and floors, glazing and shading of windows and design details to reduce energy and water consumption.

Energy and Water

Anvil Creek proposes gas boosted solar (photovoltaic cell) water heaters to 100% of the homes on site which, together with the design initiatives outlined above, will reduce CO2 gas emissions by 11,500 tonnes and save residents $1.5 million in electricity bills over 10 years.  Each home will be equipped with low energy demand lighting and smart switches which automatically turn lights on and off.  Rainwater tanks will be installed to provide water for up to 50% of garden usage and toilet flushing which will save approximately 100 megalitres of potable water each year.  Low water usage fittings will be installed in all taps and showers.

Across the site, the golf course designers propose a high tech irrigation system that carefully controls the amount and location of water application.  The computer controlled system delivers exact quantities of water to each section of the golf course. If possible tertiary treated water will be used. Storm water will be managed so that there is no increased in runoff from the site. An integrated drainage system will captures runoff and filter the water via sediment traps and control ponds prior to it being released back into the local catchment.

Environmental Protection

All riparian corridors will be restored as part of the project. Weed control programs will be initiated in and around infested tracks, gullies, creek lines to allow native vegetation to reestablish itself. The creek systems will be reinforced with indigenous plantings, and all new landscapes will be designed with native, water sensitive plants. The existing forest species on the site will be retained and enhanced using similar species.  This will provide additional habitat for threatened wildlife species including the squirrel glider, grey crowned babbler and the grey headed flying fox.

Anvil Creek will take advantage of technological and biological advances to control any detrimental impacts from pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers with computer controlled systems used to minimize spray drift and runoff.

Economic and Community Enhancements

This project will create many long term jobs for local residents. The Hunter Valley Research Foundation estimates that 288 full time equivalent jobs will be created in construction, with 261 additional jobs created elsewhere in the region as a result. Over the period of construction, an average of 235 new jobs every year will be created. Once operational, 174 new jobs will be created, with a further 87 created every year on average.

The development itself also includes an education precinct and a tourism and retail area at the entrance to the F3 Freeway link which offer additional employment opportunities. Anvil Creek is designed to encourage community use of public facilities including the walking trails and the sports oval, heritage park and amphitheatre.