The use of integrated nature-based alternative-water treatment landscapes in new urban fringe development as a strategy for wildfire and heatwave risk reduction

Urban expansion and housing development in peripheral Melbourne is occurring at a time of decreasing water availability. Non-potable water options are needed in the creation of resilient landscapes in the future.

This research is investigating how landscape planning and landscape design practices can facilitate the adoption of landscape treatment with multiple co-benefits. This can include landscape buffering against bushfires and creating heatwave-resilient urban landscapes.

This research will develop a draft landscape design framework and principles for Integrated Nature-Based Alternative-Water Treatment Landscapes (I-NATL), which fosters alternative-water use within peri-urban landscapes and facilitates resilience to bushfires and heatwave impacts.

The draft design framework will be tested in a specific site in the Melbourne urban fringe by developing bushfire and heatwave-resistant prototypes and incorporating feedback from experts and stakeholders.