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Tract is a recognised leader of landscape architecture in Australia.
We have gained the respect of design peers and industry, with over eighty awards across four decades and unequaled success in design competitions.
Our philosophy is to ensure the landscape architectural treatment for any site is of the highest design quality that respects environmental, social and economic concerns. To achieve this, thorough site analysis informs the design process, to ensure the ultimate design is respectful of the place and provides a site-specific solution.
Tract provides a comprehensive range of landscape architectural services and design leadership to drive pragmatic, cohesive and exciting development outcomes.
As a large organisation, we are equipped to service technical; design & administration issues for projects of all scales. Much of our work is from repeat clients, a testament to our capable and creative staff; commitment to service, project delivery and responsiveness.
Landscape masterplanning involves the generation of an overall concept plan for a site.
The process brings together site information, attributes, potential and constraints, to deliver and overall landscape vision that encompasses the client’s brief. Depending upon the scale, the masterplan will consider the use, function, access, circulation, sustainability and overall theming for the site.
The output is usually an evocative drawing that encapsulates the landscape vision and provides a guiding framework for future development of the site.
Depending upon the scale of the site, the process of masterplanning may bring together outputs from other disciplines, such as engineers and architects, to ensure that the future needs of the site are fully integrated.
During this phase we are able to determine an appropriate landscape budget to ensure that this accords with the client’s expectations and overall project budget.
An overall landscape masterplan is often a requirement of development planning applications, to ensure that landscape issues have been addressed.
Tract can offer a comprehensive overview of a site’s potential for development. This is critical to ensuring that opportunities and constraints have been fully assessed and the ‘qualitative’ attributes of a place are understood.
Site planning begins by assessing a site for potential land-use. Site investigations capture physical information, including topography, soils, hydrology, vegetation and orientation, as well as proximity to infrastructure and services. These findings are presented as a Site Analysis diagram.
The Site Analysis identifies the opportunities and constraints for the site; including identifying appropriate development / treatment of the site and optimal siting of structures and elements, often avoiding costly mistakes.
This information is often sought by planning authorities in assessment of development proposals and the information is used to inform more detailed masterplanning.
Tract is able to bring together its landscape architects, planners and urban designers, to ensure that the site’s attributes are fully assessed.
This stage of the design process builds upon the landscape masterplan. Generally the vision for the site has been agreed and approved and this stage starts to develop the design detail, ensuring that the technical elements of the landscape design can be constructed.
Working with the client, our landscape architects will start to develop detail designs, planting themes, material and hard surfaces. We will work with other disciplines to ensure that outputs are coordinated and the site will not only function, but have an aesthetic and enduring landscape outcome, that continues to meets the client’s brief.
This design phase develops a package of ‘working drawings’ and specification clauses that enable the landscape design to be tendered and constructed.
The working drawings are finely detailed including dimensions, surface finishes, materials, plant numbers and quantities. We will produce a package of drawings and accompanying documents to ensure that the work can be fully costed and constructed.
Tract is able to provide a full tendering and Construction Phase service preceding and during landscape construction. We can co-ordinate an open tender or approach a select group of qualified landscape contractors, capable of undertaking the works.
Our service will ensure that contracts are properly executed and the design and overall vision for the outcome is fully understood by the contractor. We are able to act as the client’s representative or superintendent of the works.
As agreed, we are able to:
We will ensure that the works proceed generally in accordance with the contract documents and importantly that the vision for the landscape is translated into a built outcome.
There are many projects where the outcome for the site is landscape driven. On these projects, it is valuable to have a project manager coordinating the project that understands the importance of collaborating with allied disciplines to produce to the best possible landscape outcome for the site.
Tract has many years of experience in coordinating and managing project teams. We are able to bring together the appropriate team for the project, depending upon the specific and required needs. We will manage and coordinate outputs to ensure that the team runs smoothly and that deadlines and deliverables are achieved.
We are able to:
Tract has many years’ experience in the leadership and management of analysis and interpretation of the natural environment to determine appropriate land-use.
From assessment and interpretation of ecology, geology, hydrology and other resource investigations Tract has provided guidance on appropriate treatment and management of natural resources.
The proper understanding and management of the natural resources is particularly relevant to the urban / rural interface €“ an area Tract has worked closely with over many years.
Tract brings specialist horticultural expertise and knowledge to our landscape architectural practice, in order to devise site-suitable plant compositions.
Tract’s in-house team of horticulturists apply our extensive plant knowledge to ensure that appropriate preparation, planting and management can be devised for even the most complex site conditions and environments.
We approach plant selection and arrangement as both an art and a science, applying our knowledge, skills and to generate well-considered horticultural solutions. Our projects range from remediation of ecologically sensitive areas to the design of therapeutic gardens.
The following are likely to be considered, pending site and project requirements
Environmental sustainability is fundamental to all our projects. Appropriate plant selection, implementation and management are tailored to each site to ensure the long term viability of the landscape and associated plantings.
Tract offers comprehensive landscape & visual impact assessment services for a range of project types & client requirements.
Our services include:
EES Standard Technical Studies to meet Federal and State legislative requirements, including expert evidence to VCAT, Advisory Committee and Panel hearings.
Detailed Technical Assessments to meet specific Authority requirements and client needs, including expert evidence to VCAT, Advisory Committee and Panel hearings.
Expert Opinion & Project Advice for development proposals and projects concerned with environmental change. This advice is typically based on professional judgment with minimal background research and allows clients to make informed decisions about development feasibility, project scoping, planning and design.
Visualisation & Communication services utilising 3D visualisation and 2D visual communication techniques that can be fully integrated with the landscape and visual impact assessment process and related design studies.
Typical project areas include:
Road & Rail Based Transport Infrastructure for both greenfield and brownfield settings. Landscape and visual mpact assessment can be integrated with a full range of design, modelling and graphic presentation services.
Urban Design advice associated with development proposals, urban renewal and environmental change. This advice is backed by a wide range of specialist professional skills including urban design, landscape architecture, town planning, environmental planning, horticulture, graphic design and computer modelling.
Extractive Industry advice ranging from full EES standard technical assessments to 3D modelling and visualisation to test development, impact mitigation and rehabilitation options for new and existing facilities.
Industrial & Services Infrastructureservices including landscape and visual impact assessment of development proposals, project feasibility assessment, site selection, site planning and design.
Park Planning & Design services include landscape and visual impact assessment for development proposals associated with the development and management of parks, recreation facilities and open space areas, including national parks, coastal reserves and cultural heritage sites.
Coastal Planning advice associated with property development and environmental change. This advice includes the generation of siting and design guidelines and management plans for highly sensitive sites.
Residential Development advice including landscape and visual impact assessment for development proposals, project feasibility assessment, site planning, urban renewal and related environmental change.
Highly accurate photographic, GPS and 3D modelling software in conjunction with CAD and survey data generates realistic, accurate and verifiable images of proposed development options from key viewpoints. Modelling outputs achieve VCAT and EES presentation standards.
GIS Services. GIS is used as a part of our projects on a daily basis to provide accurate insights on complex problems. Our GIS specialists offer the following landscape and visual impact analysis services:
As one of Australia’s leading planning and design consultancies, Tract offers a full range of planning services for both private and public clients. We have a reputation for finding innovative planning solutions for complex sites and projects. Our skills in this area have been recognised through numerous awards from the Planning Institute of Australia, the Property Council, and Urban Development Institute of Australia, including their Consultant of the Year award in 2011.
From our offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Geelong, we service projects both nationally and internationally, across statutory, strategic and environmental planning projects.
With expertise in site analysis and strategic planning, combined with a thorough understanding of the property industry, we achieve positive land use and development outcomes.
We have specialised skills in coordinating approvals for a range of small to large scale development projects and offer high level negotiation skills with local and state authorities to facilitate timely development approval. Our skills range from initial due diligence advice, preparation of strategic plans, through to rezonings, permit and development applications, and Tribunal reviews. We also have particular skills in the formulation of innovative planning scheme provisions to facilitate complex development outcomes.
Our multi-disciplinary services, combined with our wide industry networks, allow us to form experienced and comprehensive teams.
We employ high caliber professionals who are active industry participants and at the forefront of development trends and policy changes. We focus on providing timely and reliable advice, high quality outputs and responsive and proactive client service.
Tract Consultants specialises in the delivery of permit and development approvals for a full range of urban and regional projects. We offer experience and expertise in the preparation of planning reports to lodge and coordinate permit applications for a range of small, medium to large scale projects.
Our planning service assists in the initial review of development proposals through to preparing and lodging permit applications to assisting at an appeals tribunal when a review is necessary.
Our approach is based about providing timely and accurate advice that surpasses our client’s expectations and facilitates high quality development outcomes.
Our initial service in this process is to provide development feasibility advice following a review of relevant planning controls to assist in the preparation of a development solution for the site.
In-house urban design and landscape architecture expertise can also be provided to assist in the timely resolution of development applications.
Our approach involves pre-application meetings with Councils and key stakeholders, assessing site analysis information to promote active and progressive discussion with authorities. We provide detailed planning application reports to accompany development applications to minimise requests for further information.
Our goal is to manage the permit process from start to finish facilitating timely development approval for our clients.
Our skills in this area have been recognised through numerous awards from Planning Institute of Australia, Urban Development Institute of Australia, and the Property Council, including the UDIA Consultant of the Year award in 2011.
Tract has extensive experience in the preparation and coordination of planning scheme amendments and the rezoning of land. We begin with a thorough investigation of the site, and work collaboratively with Councils, the Department of Planning, and Authorities, to process an amendment through the approval stages.
Our knowledge of the suite of zones, overlays and statutory systems, along with the strategic planning context, places us in a strong position to advise our clients on the most favourable path. We can draw on our in house skills in urban design and landscape architecture, together with our strong professional networks, to form comprehensive project teams. Our body of work in this area ranges from small and large scale residential, commercial, town centre, industrial, and infrastructure projects.
Our approach is based on providing timely and accurate advice that surpasses our clients expectations and facilitates high quality development outcomes.
Our strength lies in being fully aware of emerging trends and policy changes that can have major implications on the use and development of land, and advising our clients accordingly. Our work with both public and private clients has provided us with an unparalleled range of skills across all facets of planning, including detailed understanding of statutory systems, that can assist in delivering timely outcomes.
Tract offers high quality advocate and expert witness services to VCAT, planning panels, advisory committees, and other tribunal services. As an advocate, we co-ordinate, prepare and deliver submissions that presents our clients case in a strong and thorough manner, drawing on our understanding of statutory planning systems, planning policy and case law. We provide a cost effective alternative to the engagement of legal representation.
Our multi-disciplinary approach provides us with a comprehensive understanding of contentious planning issues, such as housing targets, neighbourhood character, and native vegetation planning. In representing many Councils, authorities and developers over many years, we understand the processes of the tribunal and the scope of issues that are important to members in making decisions.
Our process begins with a comprehensive review of the key issues, and includes advice on the engagement of expert witnesses, review of expert statements, and coordination of documentation. We have represented both public and private clients in a wide range of cases including small to large scale residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure. Our full range of services in this area include representation at directions hearings, mediations, and correspondence management.
Alternatively, Tract can offer independent expert planning evidence to review development proposals. We seek to review, critique and recommend changes to development proposals to ensure the best opportunity for approval at the Tribunal. Our experienced planners offer a range of specialities that can add value to the process and provide a credible alternative opinion.
Tract has the experience and knowledge to assist clients in avoiding unwanted surprises by carrying out comprehensive ‘due diligence’ investigations of planning issues relating to individual sites. We assess the individual circumstances of the site to determine its development potential and possible constraints.
Tract assesses the property against local laws, planning scheme provisions including zoning, overlays and codes and against related registers such as flooding, contaminated sites and past approvals. We are particularly skilled at understanding changes to the planning scheme that are proposed or contemplated but not yet formally approved within the scheme.
Our goal is to provide clear, accurate and comprehensive advice that allows out client to fully understand the impacts on planning controls on development proposals.
Our clients find this information invaluable in understanding the development potential of the land and in deciding whether to proceed with a purchase or development project.
Tract’s due diligence can provide information on the following:
Achieving affordability and viability is a key motivator in all of our projects, particularly in Structure Planning where we work closely with, Government agencies, developers and servicing authorities to achieve and help deliver high quality town centres and residential neighbourhood precincts.
Tract has unparalleled experience in the drafting and approval of Precinct Structure Plans (PSP’s) in accordance with the Urban Growth Zone (UGZ) on behalf of both the Growth Area’s Authority (GAA) and private development groups.
Tract enjoys a well-rounded understanding of Structure Plan preparation, implementation, statutory planning control preparation, and advice on potential implications for development to deliver current best practice in growth area planning.
Tract also provides expert advice in the review and submission of material throughout the Structure Planning process, as well as expert evidence at Panels.
Tract is experienced in the management and preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental Effects Statements (EES).
Tracts approach to environment assessment starts with a detailed understanding of the site and its context. In this regard, our wider strategic planning skills are invaluable to build sufficient knowledge about the impacts of the projects and the wider shaping forces. Our multi-disciplinary approach and in house skills in landscape architecture and urban design also help us see issues from a variety of perspectives.
We assemble a range of experts and work with them to produce comprehensive assessments that accurately describe the potential impacts of a project and methods to minimise those impacts. We have a solid understanding of the regulatory framework and the processes for approval of major projects. Our work includes EIA scoping, referral preparation, project management, consultation, and report preparation and coordination.
Our projects in this field are diverse, and include wind farms in Victoria and NSW, major infrastructure projects and residential developments.
Tract offers skills and expertise to Government and the private sector in the preparation of planning studies. These studies cover a broad range of issues, ranging from liveability assessments, research reports, land use analysis and policy assessment. Essential to the success of these studies is our detailed understanding of their legislative, spatial and historical context, and of contemporary policy challenges.
This helps ensure that the reports are comprehensive, accurate and well considered. We can draw on our in house skills in urban design and landscape architecture, together with our strong professional networks, to form comprehensive project teams, if needed.
Community Engagement forms a critical part of many of the planning, urban design and landscape architecture projects in which Tract Consultants is involved.
The preparation and implementation of an effective consultation and engagement strategy is an integral component of our project delivery and helps to ensure that the consultation component is appropriate to the scale and impact of the project itself.
Such a strategy will vary from project to project to reflect the various communicators, audiences, communication channels, feedback mechanisms and communication timings. For all projects the intent is to ensure sufficient, relevant, accurate and consistent information to all of the project stakeholders at identified points during the life of the project.
Effective consultation has benefits for both the proponents and developers alike.
The consultation activities which Tract Consultants undertakes include:
Community Engagement Strategies
The preparation of project specific Community Engagement Strategies to describe the extent, purpose, form and timing of stakeholder involvement
Exhibitions and Print Media
The preparation and production of displays, public exhibitions, media releases, newsletters, advertisements, fact sheets, brochures, etc.
Surveys
The preparation and distribution of questionnaires, surveys, community feedback forms, etc.
Public Events
Organisation and facilitation of briefings, forums, public meetings etc.
Workshops and Discussion
Organisation and facilitation of individual, small group or large group workshops (public and private), charrettes, internal and external design studios, brain storming, etc.
Reference Groups
Organisation and membership of committees, steering groups, management groups, etc.
Submissions
Advising on, preparing, assessing and responding to submissions.
Social Media
Establishing a range of social media to present and receive views.
Tract Consultants offers specialised experience and expertise in the preparation of planning reports to lodge and coordinate permit applications and rezoning requests at local and state government levels. We also recognise the importance of accurate and realistic feasibility advice to clients as part of their due diligence process. Often the value that is added to a development site has its genesis in the pre-planning phase.
Our team is well-equipped to forecast key issues and challenges that may be faced during the approval process and applies refined problem solving and strategy techniques to minimise risk and offer the best value to our client.
With established government and stakeholder networks, our approach to development applications is to conduct pre-application meetings with Councils, using relevant site analysis information to promote active discussion with authorities. We provide detailed application reports to accompany development applications and endeavour to facilitate a speedy and positive outcome for our clients.
With urban design and landscape architecture expertise within the firm we can offer clients complementary skills and services to assist in the resolution of development applications. Tract also offers advocate and expert evidence support for development applications at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and Planning Panels.
With our significant experience in coastal, activity centre, greenfield and urban infill projects, Tract Consultants provides unparalleled strategic planning advice and services. Our depth of knowledge and range of specialists provides us with strong skills in strategic planning at local, regional and state levels. With offices in regional and metropolitan areas, we are at the forefront of major policy changes having represented both private and public clients in landmark projects.
Our skills in this area have been recognised through numerous awards from Planning Institute of Australia, Urban Development Institute of Australia, and the Property Council, including the UDIA Consultant of the Year award in 2011.
Our knowledge of the suite of zones, overlays and statutory systems, along with the strategic planning context, places us in a strong position to advise our clients on the most favourable path. We can draw on our in house skills in urban design and landscape architecture, together with our strong professional networks, to form comprehensive project teams.
Our approach is based on providing timely and accurate advice that surpasses our clients expectations and facilitates high quality development outcomes. Our body of work in this area ranges from small and large scale residential, commercial, town centre, industrial, and infrastructure projects.
Our practice continues to advise and assist both Government and private development consortia and some key examples of our services include:
Urban design covers the spectrum of community place-making, neighbourhood layouts and design, to structure planning for inner and outer urban areas and communal/public spaces.
At Tract, our Urban Design team bridge planning and landscape architecture disciplines and provide the strategies and frameworks to ensure that the three dimensional and physical structure of development is appropriate to the site and its context.
Our group is playing an ever increasing role in shaping the built environment.
The success of future development must be measured against criteria pertaining to environmental outcomes, social equity, legibility and dynamism. Tract Urban Design is equipped with skills, resources and alliances to achieve this.
Masterplanning is at the heart of what we do at Tract. In brings together our three key disciplines of planning, urban design and landscape in interesting and collaborative ways, and outlines ways with which we shape our urban environments. Our urban design masterplanning experience spans the breadth of greenfield, town centre, urban infill and activity centre sites and precincts.
Our commitment to site responsive design brings with it the project results of consistently delivering responsive masterplanning that creates great places and spaces for people to live, work and play.
Strategic frameworks and structure plans are the juncture where strategic planning meets urban design, and are core work for Tract.
Our experience across numerous activity centre and greenfield structure plans and frameworks means we have developed efficient and effective ways of embedding great design and responsive design into these frameworks.
Tract’s urban design experience in the greenfield residential sector is reflected in a diverse and extensive folio of development projects. We provide an integrated service of urban design with the ability to value-add planning and landscape architecture services as required. Ours is a collaborative and iterative model of design and testing, working with clients to create the best possible value from each residential project.
From the strategic context, through conceptual design stages, Tract work with a broad spectrum of development professionals best create what we value in greenfield sites which is ‘special places and spaces for people to live, work and play.’ We are experienced in initial yield scenarios where highest and best land-uses are tested through various designs. A yellow-trace approach and willingness to workshop ideas and constraints are trademarks of what we do best.
Our approach is rooted in the ‘site responsive’ ethos to greenfield urban design – that seeks to respond uniquely to the subtleties and characteristics of each site to leverage ‘sense of place’ for the development, and thus value for the developer. We have a detailed understanding and experience in greenfield housing typologies, and how these are applied in a precinct or neighbourhood setting.
Tract maintains a ‘pattern book’ of these typologies which is constantly updating and evolving as the market and housing changes. In this way we continue to be at the leading edge of residential development in greenfield areas across Melbourne.
Tract provides a comprehensive range of planning and design services to assist developers and Council’s and the State Government in planning for activity centers.
Activity Centers are a major focus for new development in order to accommodate forecasted population growth and business investment under State Planning Policy. Recent policy changes have strengthened the push to develop central activity districts in outer suburban locations to create a ‘polycentric’ city form.
Usually containing underutilised land and disused industrial facilities, these urban infill sites attract the opportunity for new living and working destinations with proximity to urban services and infrastructure.
Tract’s services include structure plans, planning permit applications, planning scheme amendments, Tribunal advocacy and expert witness, and development plans.
Tract specialises in transforming under-utilised industrial land into vibrant activity centres which include an appropriate mix of retail, residential and commercial uses.
The integration of mixed housing types with high quality public spaces, retailing and service uses to suit the new community are fundamental to activity centre development. Tract seeks to create a new ‘place’ to live and work within proximity to services, facilities and transport to offer connectivity and a high level of amenity. Most importantly, development must be sensitive to its surrounds and integrate with established residential neighbourhoods.
Tract, with its planning, urban design and landscape architecture expertise, is in an unmatched position to effectively plan and design activity centres throughout Australia.
Tract offers integrated planning, urban design and landscape architecture expertise to facilitate complex urban renewal projects.
Leading with a comprehensive site contextual analysis to land use masterplanning options, Tract will review a sites best use options in order to achieve planning and development approval.
Urban renewal projects are often complex as they seek re-use of industrial land. Tracts co-ordinated project teams involving key specialists in site contamination assessment, land use economics, traffic impact assessment & acoustic and odour assessment to ensure a site is suitable for residential mixed use development and to lead a project through a rezoning planning process.
Often urban design guidelines are the tool where the ‘rubber hits the road’ providing the tools and guidance in accordance with the strategic plans to support the urban design vision.
We specialise in tailoring effective guidance for great urban design to occur.
Increasingly, pedestrian modelling and analysis is a core element of successful urban design responses.
The ability to model and quantify pedestrian access, movement and priority creates urban design response embedded in ensuring people can move around, through and to key development or city destinations, and that urban design responds to the local needs of pedestrians at all levels.
Tract’s hallmark over the years has been a commitment to site responsive design, and creating places and spaces that respond to their local context, topography and character.
The process of urban context analysis and site analysis is critical to these successes, and is embedded in every project we undertake. An understanding of the context is the backbone of great urban design and the reality of a great development.
We specialise in the understanding of commercial drivers and models for development sites, and finding the balance between the urban design objectives and the commercial realities of the market.
Extensive development experience allows us to efficiently craft development solutions that incorporate great design built into and around a commercial response to development.
Tract’s in-house 3D Visualisers & Graphic Designers create stunning designs to support the Landscape Architecture, Planning and Urban Design fields.
3D visuals have a wide range of applications across a range of media including; marketing, proposals, presentations websites, videos, animations and dynamic new media.
We also use 3D as a tool to complement the design process to analyse and interrogate proposed designs and also to communicate complex concepts to clients and stakeholders throughout the design process.
Our graphic media team adds value to the outputs of Tract’s core disciplines through an integrated approach, drawing together the various inputs in to cohesive and logical graphic outputs.
Realistic or stylized imagery to suit project requirements. 3D stills can be used to add life and realism to designs to communicate bold ideas effectively or create a sophisticated atmosphere and theming for a project.
3D stills are popular for reports, posters, brochures, on project websites and anywhere else where evocative graphics are needed to demonstrate high-quality design concepts.
Animations incorporating film making for marketing, promotion, presentation or assessment.
3D animation and fly-throughs can provide a dynamic lift to presentations and show a design in its very best light through a completely immersive viewer experience.
Define the best path through a site to display its most important features in the way you want them to be viewed. Map a path and experience the views that will be created. 100% flexible and customizable animation and fly-through technology can also help to analyse and review designs with the highest level of accuracy possible.
An interactive application that can be controlled by the user. This allows the user to switch between different views ‘on the fly’ and immerse themselves in the 3D scene.
Create key views of a site to add strength to the visual component of a marketing campaign.
Tracts 3D and Graphics team has experience working with marketing departments and within brand guidelines to provide a wholistic graphic design service.
Utilise 3D analysis and accurate modelling techniques to measure the visual impact of a proposed development on its environment.
Tract offer comprehensive landscape and visual impact assessment services backed by 3D technology for a range of project types.
Projects include:
3D mass-models describe the bulk of a development, the vertical mix of land use and impact of buildings in a site context as well as informing shadow and lighting studies.
Detail design can be used to present complex architectural concepts in their best light. Tract 3D offers a level of detail fully customizable to client requirements.
Whether it be sculptural masterpieces or custom furniture designs, High quality, realistic 3D models can solve complex technical problems and get a realistic view of how a concept will look. A great way to present site masterplans.
Tract offers a comprehensive range of graphic design services to assist our clients to communicate big ideas.
Working as part of multi-disciplinary teams, the graphic media team plays a key role in the production of professional and visually appealing outputs that communicate ideas clearly and accurately.
The team has extensive industry-specific experience in the production of award winning communications including;
