Mawson Lakes

Mawson Lakes - SA

Mawson Lakes Development is a master-planned community set on 600 hectares, in the north of Adelaide. Developed by a joint venture between Delfin Lend Lease and the South Australian Government, Mawson Lakes has in place a set of paramount objectives which has led to the Project’s clear demonstration of significant economic, environmental and social dividends, and ensures accountability through 3-yearly reporting.

A primary aim of the Mawson Lakes Project is to achieve world leading outcomes, particularly in the areas of water resource management, building energy efficiency, waste management and sustainable development. The success of the Project builds on engaging the community and utilising public infrastructure demonstration areas to educate and encourage broader community adoption of sustainability principals. Key eco-efficiency targets are achieved through a range of sustainable initiatives.

All homes, businesses and community facilities within Mawson Lakes are dual plumbed to facilitate connection to a recycled water system separate to the normal drinking water supply. Treated stormwater from the City of Salisbury Aquifer Storage Program and treated wastewater from the SA Water Bolivar Treatment Works are mixed and treated to Class A standard before being pumped to properties via a dedicated recycled pipe network (identifiable by its purple colouring) for watering gardens and parks, washing cars and toilet flushing.

SA Water advises that the introduction of recycled water has reduced potable water use by 50% in the Mawson Lakes suburb, when compared to the Adelaide average. Recycled water has allowed the development to continue to provide green open spaces through controlled use of water over Adelaide drought events to the benefit of the entire Mawson Lakes Community ensuring the survival of planting programs, landscaping and animal habitat.

Profile and photograph courtesy of Delfin Lend Lease Limited.

Mawson Lakes in brief

Population*

8340 residents

6500 students

4500 workers

Population growth

10000 residents

4000 homes

7500 workers

7000 students

*Last update: June 2009