ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how a small private enterprise swam against the tide, yet discovered support and success in changing the dominant paradigm of urban development. When a group purchased an inner sub-urban Melbourne primary school to prevent its demolition they were delivered a rare opportunity to create a demonstration model that saved buildings, respected the environment and built a new community. WestWyck is sited in West Brunswick, Victoria, Australia. It looks south to the central business district of Melbourne, across Royal Park, and west to the Moonee Ponds Creek with the famous Moonee Valley racetrack. WestWyck's key water objective has been to reduce usage of potable mains-supplied water. A subsidiary objective was to reduce the discharge of used water from the site via the stormwater and sewerage systems. WestWyck aims to be an active part of the broader community, influencing sustainability outcomes, being involved in local environmental activities and campaigns and participating in local council decision making.
