NORTH ARM COVE INITIATIVE

DESIM is providing professional support to landowners in North Arm Cove for preserving and sustainably developing a unique piece of Australian urban heritage - Walter Burley Griffin’s 1918 subdivision - through applied research, collaboration, and community governance.

A Vision Rooted in History

This initiative aims to build a sustainable and resilient regional community on the historic 1918 subdivision by Walter Burley Griffin. With more than 3,000 lots, the plan is to go beyond net-zero - creating a permacity founded on circular economy principles, digital innovation, and inclusive governance.

A city park map highlighting green spaces, wooded areas, and a section with blue solar panels on rooftops.
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Community-led, Cooperatively Driven

The North Arm Cove Initiative has evolved into the not-for-profit co-operative, 'Marion and Walter' Living Lab. Developed with the community of landowners and their association, NACRPA, it fosters a community-driven approach to planning. Public engagement uses models like citizens' assemblies and juries, ensuring democratic governance.

Masterplan Framework

The project has two major goals:

  1. Develop a masterplan based on the historic layout, redesigned as a circular, flexible, beyond-net-zero community.

  2. Integrate cutting-edge technologies across infrastructure, governance, housing, and mobility - including smart contracts, digital twins, IoT, AI, and shared economies.

Land uses include:

  • Housing (approx. 3,500 residents)

  • Innovation precinct

  • Transport connectivity (local to international)

  • Heritage tourism

  • Post-COVID employment strategies

  • Development guided by the future Sustainability Research Centre (SRCe)

Sunset over a calm river with trees along the shoreline, reflecting the vibrant colors of the sky.

Land Ownership & Economic Potential

North Arm Cove has approx. 3,500 subdivided lots:

  • ~500 RU5 village lots (~200 developed)

  • ~3,500 RU2 “non-urban” lots

  • ~1,000 lots held by MidCoast Council

  • ~ 2,400 owned privately

  • ~80 held by Walker Corporation

Provision of sustainable infrastructure (e.g. microgrids) could increase land values 10x. A 400% ROI is projected for the local government on its land.

Microgrid Innovation in Practice

This project supports development of self-sufficient, sustainable infrastructure:

  • Integrated stormwater harvesting & reuse

  • Local power generation, storage & smart grids

  • Waste management & circular reuse

  • Smart road systems for governance & traffic

  • Digital governance with blockchain, IoT & peer-to-peer systems

Recognition & Media Coverage

Academic Recognition:

At the International SEEDS Conference in Bristol, UK, the initiative received a High Commendation in the Project Management category.