This thoughtful design has been matched by a strong commitment to sustainability, with GemLife Highfields Heights achieving full EnviroDevelopment certification from the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA). The project was recognised for excellence across the six ‘leaves’ of ecosystems, energy, water, waste, materials, and community.
“At Highfields Heights we’ve worked to ensure sustainability delivers real benefits for residents as well as the environment,” said GemLife Managing Director and Group CEO, Adrian Puljich. “Our energy-efficient homes, solar power systems, and green spaces are designed to lower costs, reduce impacts, and create a healthier place to live.”
A key achievement is the project’s ecological net gain. More than 2.2 hectares of regrowth semi-evergreen vine thicket within the site will be rehabilitated, creating richer and more resilient vegetation than existed before development. GemLife has funded a two-year monitoring and management program to ensure the long-term success of this rehabilitation and to protect native fauna, before stewardship is handed to Toowoomba Regional Council.
Stormwater management has also been addressed innovatively. Four underground detention and treatment tanks, with a combined 7,133m³ capacity, will capture, treat, and reuse stormwater for irrigation and public facilities, reducing potable water demand. New trunk infrastructure will also improve flood protection for the wider community.
Homes across the resort have been designed with sustainability in mind, using north-facing orientation to maximise solar gain, together with roof insulation, light-coloured roofing, and shading to reduce heat extremes. Landscaping will use drought-tolerant native species, including local food-bearing plants such as lilly pilly berries and kauri seeds. These plantings not only provide habitat for wildlife but also create cultural and culinary connections for residents, with lilly pilly fruit often used in jams and sauces, and kauri seeds able to be roasted or boiled as a nutritious snack.
“GemLife Highfields Heights shows that it’s possible to deliver world-class lifestyle facilities while also protecting and enhancing the natural environment,” Adrian said. “Certification gives our homeowners confidence that they are part of a community designed for the future – one that is healthier, more efficient, and more resilient.”
For more information about GemLife Highfields Heights visit https://www.gemlife.com.au/location/gemlife-highfields-heights-resort/
