What's
the plan?
A detailed Strategic Plan has been
developed for the evolution of the ecovillage here in Perth. Below are
some of the key points from the plan.
The Concept
Reasons Why? Outcomes
Vision
Our Mission
Six Basic Requirements
Parameters for the ecovillage
Scope
of the Plan
The Concept
There appears to be a strong demand in the Perth market place for a
genuine community based eco-village. However, there is a serious and
widening gap between this customer base and what is currently on offer in
the way of land subdivison.
So whilst there are significant
numbers of people who would take up the opportunity to live within an
ecovillage, there are very few who will ever be able to acheive this. Few
would be prepared to put the time and effort required for the actual
development of one. At this point in time ecovillages fall far outside the
normal scope of what property developers would provide in the way of a typical lot. With these circumstances we believe there
exists an opportunity to plan, develop and build a world class eco-village
in the Hills area of Perth.
The desire for this type of lifestyle will continue to expand far into
the future so it will be necessary to develop new skills that can make
these lifestyle spaces available. Central to the process of our
establishing an ecovillage is the development and acquisition of these new
skills. This could potentially make Perth a world leader in the promotion
and implementation of other eco-village projects. By this, the
implications of what is achieved here in Perth can
be far reaching and benefit the wider global community.
Reasons
why ? - Outcomes
Quite simply, the chief motivation is for us to create a space that we
feel would be ideal for us and our children to live in. A place where a
true community can exist to help each other attain a genuine interest and
concern for each individual and the world around them.
The ideal outcome would be to live in a beautiful and balanced
ecovillage, thoughtfully positioned in the hills of Perth. The landscape
will have diversity, as will the people who have decided to become a part
of it. All aspects of living within a community will have been considered
to provide the best possible environment for the community to develop,
grow and evolve.
The eco-village will be regarded on a global scale as one of the best
examples of how an eco-village should be developed and will become a
source of both inspiration and information for other people who wish to
develop eco-villages.
Vision
Develop an ecovillage in the Perth hills where true community can
flourish as every person's needs are supported, in balance with a
sustainable, ecological ethic.
Our Mission is -
- To
obtain affordable, viable land
- To
design a true community infrastructure
- To
embrace environmental responsibility
- To
help all individuals flourish
- To
create a nurturing space for children
- To
design with consideration for the senior members of our community
- The
provision of ample meeting spaces
- The
acceptance of each others beliefs and individuality
- To
secure strong local links
- Maintain
flexibility with a global attitude
- To
assist those who wish to merge paid employment with lifestyle
- Sustainability
- Always design with a view to the long term
- To
have fun and live long productive lives
Six Basic requirements are:
Parameters
for the ecovillage
-
Located in the hills area of Perth Western Australia
-
Minimum total land area for the development of 100 acres
-
Minimum number of lots: 30
-
Maximum number of lots: 80
-
Structure to be based on a rural Strata Title arrangement
-
At least 70 % of the property to be kept as common property
-
The scope for all owners to operate a business from home
-
Diverse land use - residential, commercial, rural
-
Require serviced lots - power - water - phone.
Scope
of the Plan
This plan will cover the entire strategy for the development of an
ecovillage. There are three aspects that must be considered to produce a
sustainable community village are Ecology, Social, Spiritual.
The outlines below have been obtained from the Global Ecovillage Networks
website - under the community sustainability assessment.
The Ecological aspects of
community life are balanced when:
People are deeply connected to
the place in which they live. Its boundaries, strengths, weaknesses and
rhythms are clear and human beings live in synchrony and harmony within
the ecological system of which they are a part. Natural life, its
systems and processes are respected; wildlife and botanical habitat is
preserved; human life-styles regenerate, rather than diminish the
integrity of the environment.
Food comes primarily from local
or bioregional sources, is organic, free of contaminants, and provides
nutritional balance.
Structures are designed to blend
with and complement the natural environment, using natural, bioregional
and ecologically sound (renewable, non-toxic) materials and methods of
construction. Conservation is practiced in transportation systems and
methods.
Consumption and generation of
waste is minimized.
A clean, renewable water supply
is available. The community is aware of its water source - respecting,
protecting and conserving it.
Human waste and waste water is
used and/or disposed of to the benefit of the environment and community.
Renewable, non-toxic energy
sources are used to heat and power the community. Innovative
technologies are neither exploited, nor suppressed, but applied for the
common good.
The Social aspects of community
life are balanced when:
There is a sense of social
stability and dynamism in community life; a foundation of safety and
trust enables individuals to freely express themselves to the benefit of
all. Spaces and systems are available that support and maximize
communication, relationships and productivity.
There are adequate
opportunities/technologies for communication within the community and
for connecting, as is appropriate, with the world-wide community.
The talents, skills and other
resources of the community are shared freely within the community, and
offered outside of the community, to serve the greater good.
Diversity is honored as a source
of health, vitality and creativity in the natural environment and in
community relations. Acceptance, inclusivity and transparency foster
understanding of the benefits of diversity, enriches our environmental
and social experience and promotes justice.
Personal growth, learning and
creativity are valued and nurtured; opportunities for teaching and
learning are available to all age groups through a variety of
educational forms.
Options for restoring,
maintaining or improving health (physical, mental, emotional and
spiritual) are available and affordable, including natural remedies and
alternative health practices, such as meditation and body work.
The flow of resources, giving
and receiving of funds, goods and services, is balanced to meet the
community's needs and wishes. Surpluses are shared.
The Spiritual aspects of
community life are balanced when:
Cultural vitality is sustained
through artistic and other cultural activities and celebrations.
Creativity and the arts are seen
as an expression of unity and interrelationship to our universe, and are
encouraged and supported through various forms of artistic expression,
artful living and through preservation and sharing of beauty and
aesthetic values. Leisure time is valued.
There is respect and support for
spirituality manifesting in many ways. Opportunities are available for
the development of the inner self. A sense of joy and belonging is
fostered through rituals and celebrations.
The qualities and commonalities
at the heart of a community provide unity and integrity to community
life. This may be a common vision and agreements that express
commitments; it may be shared cultural beliefs, values and practices
that define and express the uniqueness of each community.
There is a capacity for
flexibility and successful responsiveness to difficulties that arise.
Whether urban, suburban or
rural, developed or not, there is a growing understanding of the
interconnectedness and interdependence of all the elements of life on
Earth. The community knows its place in, and relation to, the whole.
The community consciously
chooses and contributes to the creation of a peaceful, loving,
sustainable world.
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