The Palms Collection set to become first EnviroDevelopment in FNQ

A development that was dogged by controversy after a long running court case is set to become the first EnviroDevelopment in Far North Queensland.

A DEVELOPMENT that was circled with controversy after a long running court case is set to become the first EnviroDevelopment in Far North Queensland.

The $300m-plus development Palms Collection has just been certified to be the first EnviroDevelopment by Urban Development Institute of Australia.

Director and Town Planner Evan Yelavich said this should set the benchmark for sustainable living in Queensland.

“People are far more conscious of being good to the environment these days and we wanted to embrace that and give people guidance on how to achieve a sustainable and more cost-efficient way of living,” Mr Yelavich said.

The Palms Collection development is set to become the very first EnviroDevelopment in Far North Queensland. Paradise Palms managing director Darren Halpin, Property Shop Cairns sales and marketing manager Ben Johnston, planning director Evan Yelavich and managing director of International Management and Consulting Group Kim Thomas at the former greens of the Paradise Palm country club. Picture: Brendan Radke

Sustainable elements to the development include reduced waste generation during construction, retention of ecological areas and revegetation works, solar power for community to share and guidelines to promote sustainability and reduced energy and water usage.

“Vegetated waterways will be retained and enhanced and we will also be establishing nature play areas for the kids,” said Mr Yelavich said.

“Community cycling and walking trails with specific vegetation buffers and parklands to enhance the 30 hectares of natural environment surrounding the homes will also be created.”

The development is expected to create more than 200 jobs during construction with community spaces included.

Originally published as The Palms Collection set to become first EnviroDevelopment in FNQ