ANSI has evolved over many years through extensive input and engagement of citizens, organizations, governments and sustainability experts and educators around Australia. It was spearheaded by the ANB (Australian National Biocentre Inc), a project of the Nature and Society Forum).

Some of the milestones are as follows:

2002

  • A nation-wide government-funded feasibility study was undertaken to engage Australians with the idea of ANSI. A nation-wide, government-funded feasibility study was sent to about 3,000 organisations or individuals.
  • Analysis of survey results identified 700 respondents who offered support and suggestions for initiatives, including a Sustainability Network and a National Sustainability Centre.

2003

  • The Australian National Sustainability Initiative (ANSI) was formed by the ANB to progress the development of the Network and Centre.
  • Work began on the ANSI Action Plan.
  • ANSI identified 20 businesses that indicated an interest in participating and/or locating in the Precinct.
  • Over 300 people participated in an Internet conference over a nine-month period, and around 180 attended a follow-up symposium.

2004

  • In March, the ANSI Action Plan was launched by Hunter Lovins (a renowned sustainability champion), ANB patron Frank Fenner, and former ANB President Moss Cass (Australia’s first Federal Environment Minister).
  • A summit with other national institutions was held in October (including Questacon, Australian National Gallery, Australian National Botanic Gardens, CSIRO Discovery Centre, Australian National University, the National Museum of Australia and the National Capital Authority). This led to a proposal for low cost eco-accommodation to meet the needs of ACT tourist and education facilities.
  • Liaisons were established with other organizations, including the Australian Eco-Labelling Association, Australia 21, SHINE, ACT Sustainable Schools Initiative, National Council for Women, Engineers Australia, National Environment Institute, Australian National University, Conservation Council for the Canberra and South East Region, Canberra Environment Centre, UNESCO Earth Charter, etc.
  • Many presentations and discussions have been held government agencies over the last few years (ACTPLA, LDA, Environment ACT, Business ACT, Birrigai, Rotary, PIA, etc).
  • The ACT Sustainability Expert Reference Group advised the Chief Minister that ANSI Complex was consistent with the ACT’s policies, programs and commitment to sustainability.

2005

  • Working relationships were established with the Australian Green Development Forum, Engineers Australia and Zero Waste Australia.
  • The University of Canberra’s Faculty of Education agreed to deliver Education for Sustainability at the ANSI Sustainability Centre.
  • That National Capital Authority endorsed ANSI complex as consistent with and supportive of the Griffin Legacy Plan.
  • Presentations and discussion continued with many interested organisations, including Engineers Australia, the ACT Sustainability Expert Reference Group, Land Development Authority, Rotary, Birrigai, SHINE, Environment ACT, E-Water CRC, Southern ACT Catchment Group, Business ACT.
  • Workshops were held across the community for ‘Living Healthily, Living Sustainably’, resulted in a number of Healthpact-funded innovative, community and ACT government based projects.
  • Presentation of design concepts for the Sustainability Complex at the World Green Building conference in Tokyo.
  • Development of sustainability education design brief was progressed with the University of Canberra Education Faculty and other education stakeholders.

2006

  • A consultant, funded by HealthPac, conducted a site interpretation study for the ANSI site to support experiential learning and recreational aspects of ANSI in relation to the Jerrabomberra Wetlands. This ‘Fox Report’ focused on: ‘what the site was like, what it is like, and what it could be like’.
  • The ANB establish a relationship with the School of Design at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane to develop schematic designs for the lease application.
  • A consultant was engaged by the ANB (Wright Report) to conduct survey of businesses and agencies that were potential stakeholders in the ANSI Precinct.
  • Presentations and discussions with more organizations, including the Planning Institute of Australia, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, National Council for Women Triennial Conference, CSIRO and Engineers Without Borders.
  • Meetings with developers, including MIRVAC, Stocklands and Bovis Lendlease, who expressed an interest in being involved in some way with the proposal.
  • Discussions with Peter Garrett, Senator Gary Humphries and other public figures were held to obtain their views and support for the project.
  • Development of structure: PPP+C= Partnerships of Public (public good government role) - Private (businesses involved in sustainability development) and Community (the Nature and Society Forum and other NGOs).
  • A presentation was made to Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (the peak sustainable building body in Australia).
  • ANSI was represented on the International Council of the Earth Charter.

2007

  • The ACTPLA East Lake Plan was published with indicated a site for ANSI of 110 by 240 square metres.
  • A new site plan and design concept was developed for the new, greatly reduced project area.

2008

  • A 5th year architecture class at QUT generated site studies and design ideas for the new site, some of which are displayed on this website, to engage students with the values of the ANSI project.
  • A 3rd year architecture class at QUT evaluated these designs using new virtual prototyping tools as a learning exercise.
  • An updated business plan was developed.
  • Schematic design drawings were prepared by the QUT design team.




Last updated November 14, 2008