For many years it was thought that development had to be at the expense of the environment.  But there is growing recognition that we have to look beyond economic progress to protect future resources through ecologically sustainable development.

The goal for Sunrise at 1770 is to be the best ecologically sustainable development in Australia, building a social and natural environment that:

• places an emphasis on low density and low impact housing
• has dedicated water management initiatives
• promotes natural insulation and light
• has leading waste management strategies
• protects existing ecosystems
• maximises community interaction
• encourages shared open spaces.

Some examples of successful conservation programs already undertaken or underway are:

• Rehabilitation and preservation of rare vine forests
• Turtle rookery conservation and management program for adjoining beaches is in place
• Foreshore Pandanus community saved from a predatory insect
• Clearing of native vegetation has been restricted to the bare minimum by agreement with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines and by the Community Management Statement
• Minimal disturbance of the natural environment through efficient access and services infrastructure design
• Transference of approximately three kilometres of coastal esplanade to the State.

Ecologically Sustainable Development principles have been used throughout the planning and design of the subdivisional works, the services infrastructure and the buildings.  The principal features of the services infrastructure include:

• The primary water supply from rainwater tanks is topped up with potable water from the Reedy Creek Aquifer
• All waste water is reclaimed and treated to provide a secondary water supply for toilet flushing, exterior domestic uses, car washing and fire fighting
• A compulsory community car wash ensuring that all wastewater generated is reclaimed and prevented from entering the aquifer untreated
• The sewerage reticulation system is fully pressurised to reduce the risk of leakage and to avoid unnecessary destruction of vegetation from the construction of gravity sewers in deeper trenches
• A dark sky policy ensuring that turtles will not be deterred from using their rookeries on adjoining beaches

Permanency of conservation objectives and measures is assured through the Reedy Creek Conservation Management Plan which applies to Sunrise at 1770 and to the whole of the Reedy Creek Conservation area.

The Reedy Creek Conservation Management Plan incorporates the following Management Plans:

• Environmental construction
• Cultural heritage
• Stormwater and groundwater
• Vegetation
• Introduced plant
• Feral animal
• Fire
• Waste.

These plans commenced implementation in 2001 and their continuation within Sunrise at 1770 is the responsibility of the Body Corporate and of the residents.  Together they will ensure that all key conservation values for Sunrise at 1770 and adjoining lands are preserved.