City of Bayswater to prepare report on biophilic urban design in bid to become more green and biodiverse

THE City of Bayswater will prepare a report on biophilic urban design in a bid to become a more “green and biodiverse” city.

Bayswater councillors supported Cr Catherine Ehrhardt’s notice of motion 9-1, with Cr Brent Fleeton voting against because of the potential financial implications of the report at this week’s council meeting.

Cr Ehrhardt said biophilic urban design supported “green and biodiverse cities through ecological networks and connected systems of urban green space and verge gardens through to green rooftops and green walls.”

The motion requested City officers prepare a report on biophilic urban design which included green or solar roofs and walls, and how the City could develop a policy to create better understanding and use of biophilic urban design.

The report is set to be presented at a future planning and development services committee meeting.

According to an officer’s report, there were opportunities to integrate biophilic urban design into other strategic and policy documents that were currently in the City’s Corporate Business Plan.

Cr Ehrhardt said the council made “great headway” in terms of its verge and tree policies, but more focus on nature was needed.

“For the City going sustainably into the future, we need to enforce through our policies and planning better connectivity out of green spaces and aim for better design outcomes,” she said.

“Biophilic urban design learns from nature, emulates natural systems and incorporates nature, natural forms and images into its buildings and landscapes.”

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