Advocacy

Since formation in 2007 we have held National Conferences annually and provided information, new technology, new research and examples of excellence to the general public, professional, trade, commercial, academic and government sectors across Australasia.

Since 2008 we have represented as the Australian Board Member for the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) promoting our industry to the global stage and participating as ambassadors for the incorporation of green infrastructure systems into urban development, internationally.

Our members have consistently presented at international & national conferences & seminars; established associations with AIA, AILA, NGIA, LCA, Universities, Gov't Departments, Local Councils & Capital City administrations both here and abroad & hosting the World Green Infrastructure Congress for Sydney in 2014. 

Sidonie Carpenter (past president 2009-11, provided CPD training over 3 years; spoke at many international & national conferences, community seminars and helped establish valued support from AILA, AIA, Melborne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane City Councils. Sidonie has now retired from GRA and continues her work as a landscape architect in Brisbane & beyond.. 

Zoe Zimmerman - Cooper (2010 - present) founded the NZ association Living Roofs NZ . Zoe represents the NZ industry on the GRA board & is active both globally and in Australasia. In Auckland she has been spearheading a new Hunderwasser Project in Auckland.

Dr Jana Soderlund (2016) is internationally recognised for her studies and research into the social benefits of urban biophilia working with Dr Peter Newman at Curtin University WA.. In 2018-19 Jana has continued her advocacy with www.biophilic cities

Rosie Mohorko (2010 - present) is a landscape architect who has worked as a green roof researcher for Sheffield Uni UK and continues to advocate in Australia as the GRA Queensland executive. In 2017 - 18 Rosie provided key comment on Brisbane City Council 'Green Building Guidelines' and has been instrumental in promoting policy in Rockhampton Council & Brisbane City since 2016.

Ana Carneiro Napoli (2015 - present) is an environmental lawyer working for the EDO, Macquarie Uni and GRA as a legislation advocate.

Indeed all our Executives, past and present have played significant advocacy roles nationally $ in NZ.

In 2022 - 23 GRA sees itself partnering with the wider community on both a professional and social level. Since formation GRA has included the community at a social level by giving lectures at green conferences and speaking events, hence improving the awareness about the vital role, green infrastructure contributes to urban design, regeneration and future planning. Matthew Dillon continues to represent & promote GRA globally through his role as eVP for the World Green Infrastructure Network. In 2017 he spoke at the WGICongress in Berlin and in 2018 he spoke at the WGICongress in Bengaluru, India.

 

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