We won! Projects win landscape architecture awards

At a recent awards night, the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects WA Chapter (AILA WA) recognised the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions projects with 5 awards, including the AILA WA Medal - the highest honour of the program!

Kaju Yatka (Kalbarri Skywalk), Lalang-gaddam Marine Park Visitor Plan and Ngajarli (Deep Gorge) were submitted by the very talented department's own Recreation, Planning and Design Unit.

The projects now go into the National AILA Awards which will be announced at the AILA National Conference held in Perth in mid-October this year.

Kaju Yatka won the following awards - 

• The AILA WA Medal
• Award of Excellence for Tourism
• Award for Regional Achievement for the best regional based project

The AILA WA Medal is the highest honour awarded to the best project across all award categories.

The jury citation noted "the highly considered visitor infrastructure includes access paths and circulation spaces, gathering areas, terraced seating and integration of Nanda artists’ work in landscape treatments and interpretation. The careful siting and integration of the facility and thoughtful use of recycled materials, colours and textures creates a strong connection between the new infrastructure and surrounding site. Cultural messaging of the Nanda Traditional Owners is beautifully incorporated throughout the landscape structures and interpretative works to broaden the Park’s visitors’ understanding of Nanda's past and ongoing connection to country and culture." 

They also noted that the site is “an unforgettable visitor experience, (which) re-established Kalbarri as a regional tourism destination and created a world class tourism destination, making this a truly exceptional project.

We acknowledge the Nanda as Traditional Owners of Kalbarri National Park.

The Landscape Architecture Award for Land Management was awarded to the Lalang-gaddam Marine Park Visitor Plan. 

The jury noted that the plan creates a robust framework to successfully manage sustainable visitation to the remote Kimberley coast. The plan successfully honours the values of the Dambeemangarddee people, while responding to other interest groups, including those of government, the tourism industry, and wider community.

We acknowledge the Dambeemangardee of the Worrdorrda nation as Traditional Owners of the Lalang-gaddam Marine Parks.

Ngajarli was awarded the Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage. 

The jury noted that the project displayed leadership in its approach to working closely with a large group of Traditional Custodians, listening to their requirements and executing a delicate and well considered response. This project will allow access for visitors, but also for Aboriginal Elders, to ensure the site continues to be cared for and preserved for future generations.

We acknowledge the Ngarluma, Yinjibarndi, Yaburura, Mardudhunera and Woog-Goo-Tt-Oo people, collectively known as the Ngarda-Ngarli as Traditional Custodians of Murujuga.