Posted to Whitehorse Leader (13/3/2013) on 13/3/2013 at 11:18 AM
Comment on "Last part of Blackburn North orchard sells for nearly $6m, set for development"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/last-part-of-blackburn-north-orchard-sells-for-nearly-6m-set-for-development/story-fngnvlxu-1226595589440
It is understandable that we can't stop development, but unnecessary clearing of land and removal of lawn from front and backyards are causing floods in certain areas, but drought in other.
It is almost laughable that many new dwellings are given good star rating for carbon neutral, but most parts of the compound of the dwellings are concreted which in fact are a contributing factor that causes other environmental problem.
Since grass and trees absorb carbon dioxide and gives out oxygen due photosynthesis, it is important that each household should be mindful when they build or landscape their garden.
I hope that building codes for domestic and commercial buildings are changed in future to ensure a balance of build-up and green vegetation areas. It may sound dictatorial but large area of artificial lawn or concreted areas should not be allowed in order to avoid degradation of water content in soil due to lack of water penetration.
The concrete jungle of high density living like the City creates wind tunnels and well paved roads behave like water carriageway. Without grass or rough surfaces, speed of water flow cannot be slowed down. Furthermore, sealed surfaces stop water being absorbed as the water flows pass, thus compounding the problem.
Comment on "Last part of Blackburn North orchard sells for nearly $6m, set for development"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/last-part-of-blackburn-north-orchard-sells-for-nearly-6m-set-for-development/story-fngnvlxu-1226595589440
It is understandable that we can't stop development, but unnecessary clearing of land and removal of lawn from front and backyards are causing floods in certain areas, but drought in other.
It is almost laughable that many new dwellings are given good star rating for carbon neutral, but most parts of the compound of the dwellings are concreted which in fact are a contributing factor that causes other environmental problem.
Since grass and trees absorb carbon dioxide and gives out oxygen due photosynthesis, it is important that each household should be mindful when they build or landscape their garden.
I hope that building codes for domestic and commercial buildings are changed in future to ensure a balance of build-up and green vegetation areas. It may sound dictatorial but large area of artificial lawn or concreted areas should not be allowed in order to avoid degradation of water content in soil due to lack of water penetration.
The concrete jungle of high density living like the City creates wind tunnels and well paved roads behave like water carriageway. Without grass or rough surfaces, speed of water flow cannot be slowed down. Furthermore, sealed surfaces stop water being absorbed as the water flows pass, thus compounding the problem.
