World first Green Infrastructure Management Manual released

IPWEA together with LGA South Australia and a wide group of project partners have released the Green Infrastructure Management Manual, a global first of its kind. The manual will empower councils engineers asset managers and planners to integrate nature based infrastructure such as street trees parks green roofs wetlands and coastal habitats into asset and financial management plans.

The manual responds to the long standing issue of green infrastructure being left out of asset management systems which has often led to neglect and loss of investment. It provides definitions services and detailed guidance across 24 asset types along with a simple planning framework case studies and tools to support lifecycle care and long term funding.

Project partners emphasised the essential role living green infrastructure plays in creating cooler healthier and more resilient communities. These assets improve water and air quality support biodiversity reduce flood risk and strengthen community wellbeing.

This world first manual was made possible through the collaboration and expertise of many organisations including IPWEA LGA South Australia the South Australian Coastal Councils Alliance Water Sensitive SA the Landscape Foundation Australia Arboriculture Australia Living Shorelines Australia Green Adelaide the Australasian Green Infrastructure Network and councils across South Australia. Their collective commitment has delivered an important resource that will help reshape how green assets are valued and managed.

The manual can be accessed for free here