Search through quolkids.com by keyword

 
 Could your business or company benefit by sharing your message to over 20,000 relevant visitors each and every month?  If so contact us today for further information - and see how quolkids.com can help you!
 

Download this document by clicking here!

Introduction
Who are we?
What is a sustainable development?
What are the benefits to a landowner in this form of development?
What sort of land are we looking for?
Is there a demand for this type of development?
The final outcome
Contact Information 

Introduction

This document has been compiled in order to effectively communicate the key points of our Ecovillage Development project to assist us in the sourcing of suitable land in the marketplace. The project is now at the stage of locating suitable land on which the ecovillage can be developed. 

Who are we?

Ecocom Solutions Incorporated is an organisation focused on promoting and cultivating sustainable residential developments. 

Our focus is on identifying suitable land in Western Australia on which to design a sustainable ecovillage development. This development will be designed with due and balanced consideration for the care of the land, the wider environment and quality of life for residents throughout the whole development process.

What is a sustainable development?

Sometimes referred to as ecovillages, an urban or rural community whose members try to provide a high quality lifestyle without taking more from the Earth than they give back. Ecovillages attempt to integrate a supportive social environment with a low-impact way of life. To achieve these aims ecovillages, typically, build on various combinations of three dimensions: community, ecology and spirituality. These developments aim to achieve a balance between these three aspects to determine the way in which land is used.

This method of development has been successfully adopted around Australia and in fact the world, delivering great opportunities to all parties both in the short and long term. Examples of this are the successful settlements in Queensland-Crystal Waters, Kookaburra Park, and Rosneath in Dunsborough W.A.

Here is key information about three successful ecovillage developments in Australia.

Crystal Waters received a United Nations WORLD HABITAT AWARD in 1995 for it’s “pioneering ways in demonstrating new low impact and sustainable ways of living”.

These examples demonstrate not only the viability of the ecovillage concept but also how it can be made profitable and beneficial to all parties involved in the process. The principle has been in existence for many years but both the mechanism and the structures to allow these developments to proceed have only unfolded over the last decade.

What are the benefits to a landowner in this form of development?

Our process is one that provides the optimum results to all parties involved. In particular it enables landowners to realise a better return on their property than would normally be possible. Other potential benefits for landowners include:

1.   An option to continue to live in an existing house on the property.

2.   Maintain access to a large area of land without being solely responsible for upkeep and costs.

3.   Obtain cash payment as well as retain ownership of some land in the form of lots.

4.   More effective tax planning and yields possible if the development process is planned carefully.

5.   Obtain value for any improvements on the property that can be incorporated into the final development.

6.   Ability to transfer part of your original asset to your family/children on an individual lot by lot basis.

7.   Protect your land from future potential subdivision, which can result in a complete change in the landscape.

8.   The knowledge that you have helped to create an example of world’s best practice in sustainable development. 

What sort of land are we looking for?

We aim to carry out this development in the Perth region of WA, perhaps in a location where traditional development would simply not be possible, either because of landowner preferences or lack of desirability to a more traditional developer.

The ideal land for our development would have some if not all of the following characteristics:

1.     A location that is preferably within approximately one hours drive of Perth city

2.     A minimum size of 100 acres

3.      Partially cleared or degraded land

4.      Accessibility to the electricity grid

5.      An all year round supply of water (Rainfall or groundwater)

6.      Natural diversity in topography

7.      Be under the auspices of a Shire which is in tune to ecological developments

8.      Be appropriately zoned for our development.

If you own or know of land that satisfies most of these requirements then it may be perfect for the development of an ecovillage and we would like to hear from you.

Is there a demand for this type of development?

We have conducted extensive market research over a period of six months. Both to determine the level of demand and the specific requirements that people have indicated would be prerequisite for living within this style of development. The research indicates that the demand currently far exceeds the supply available within the Perth area. A summary of key findings are outlined below:

Some Key Raw Statistics to Set the Scene

Responses came from:

Within Australia the spread across the states was: 

It was encouraging to see that almost every age range was represented in the responses received. This aspect of diversity is the key to a sustainable project:

People’s status with regards to children once again supported the idea of diversity as can be seen below:                 

Key Trends Noted

• 95% of people who completed the questionnaire had at least a basic knowledge of the ecovillage concept. Over 45% stated that they had an excellent knowledge of ecovillages

• 56% of people wanted a block under 1 acre

• From the people who indicated a possibility in purchasing a lot within this ecovillage project, the average preferred price for a lot was approximately AU$60,000.

• 55% of people who indicated a possibility of living within this ecovillage either planned to work from home or will have a home based business.

• 91% of people indicated that they would like to live within one hour of the CDB.

• 28% of all respondents indicated a possibility of purchasing a block in this ecovillage project.

Summary of what people had to say

The top three criteria people will use to decide whether to live in an ecovillage were:

• Community made up of people who share common values

• Location

• Cost

The top four comments in regard to what else is required within an ecovillage :

• Well defined decision making process

• Conflict resolution processes and systems

• Balance of privacy and community

• Well defined by-laws/codes and management plan

 Thoughts on what people have seen so far:

•  A step in the right directio

•  Great approach

•  Good dreaming

•  The way of the future

•  Very attracted to the whole concept

•  Very exciting

•  Sound basis to move forward

•  It sounds wonderful

•  Good concept

•  Your infectious altruism is truly to be admired

•  Well researched concept and vision

The project has generated a good deal of excitement amongst the wider community. The responses given in the questionnaire indicate that we are not appealing to a narrow group of people. The spread of age and family situations was encouraging. The people who expressed the strongest interest in the ecovillage had realistic expectations on block prices and did not desire to be isolated from the city or basic services that so many of us take for granted. This has revealed to us that the major concern for potential residents was the creation of a safe space to play and work, whilst considering the needs of environment and the individual. The research indicated a strong demand for an ecovillage in Perth from all sectors of the community.

The final outcome.

The resulting subdivision will have to satisfy certain guidelines and criteria to ensure that it achieves recognition as a world-class ecovillage (Ecological Village). This will be a development that is ecologically sustainable, is jointly owned by the residents under the legislation covered by the Strata Titles Act of WA and actively encourages both residents and others to strive for harmony in their lives.

The information above will give some idea as regard to the nature and intent of ecovillages and the setting and requirements that would be necessary for this type of development to succeed.

If you have any land or know of someone who has land that may be suitable for our purpose, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ecovillages are the future of land development.

Contact Information

Paul & Robyn Antonelli   (08) 9295 6695

Jamie & Serina Ablett     (08) 9295 1419

Facsimile: (08) 9295 6695

Email: ecocom@quolkids.com

Mail: PO Box 8 Stoneville W.A 6081