FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Ecovillages are ‘intentional’ settlements which support the needs of people for connection, support and contribution as well as the planet through reducing consumption and promoting cooperation.

We refer to Robert Gilman's definition of an ecovillage, 'A human scale, full-featured settlement in which human activities are harmlessly integrated into the natural world in a way that is supportive of healthy human development and can be successfully continued into the indefinite future.” (Robert Gilman).

Narara Ecovillage is a member of the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN). Their website might help answer this question through their own definition as well as a long list of various ecovillages around the world.

Our current process is explained below, but it is important to preface this section with a note that we are in the process of evolving and expanding membership options. Please read the next Question & Answer if this sparks your curiosity.

The process starts with inquiry, exploration, conversations and meeting as many of the members of the community as possible, before we get down to business:

1. We will ask you to fill in a questionnaire - this helps us to get to know you and we are able to link you up with people or activities based on your responses.
2. We request you to attend 5 events, varying in nature including observing a meeting so that you can witness how decisions are made, as well as attending a working bee so that you understand what it takes to maintain the land and buildings that we share the ownership of. We also encourage you to come to at least one social event too - its not all working bees and meetings around here! The 5 events can include an open day or private tour.
3. We also share with you our key legal documents. Again, we believe it is important that you come in with your eyes (and hearts) wide open.
4. Finally, you will be asked to fill in a simple application form which asks you to affirm your intent to purchase a lot inside the Ecovillage and your commitment to contribute volunteer hours.

Once ratified by the board, we will send you the bank details and the receipt of your funds is the last piece of the puzzle. The minimum investment is $30,000 (30,000 shares). Please note that the investment in your membership shares is refundable should you choose to leave the Co-operative later down the track.

As you can see - you can embark on the journey to join the community in your time and when you are ready - you can pause or even change your mind on your journey at any point without financial penalty.

The process is outlined further on this page: How to join the Narara Ecovillage

We are planning to expand the membership of the Narara Ecovillage to include those who won't own a lot in the village.

This membership option will suit tenants living on site, those who live near by, perhaps even organisations or entrepreneurs who would like to be connected to the village.

We haven't finalised the details of this membership option yet - but if you are interested, be sure to get in touch with us and we'll let you know when it is available.

Meanwhile, a good place to start is to join our outreach organisation, the Narara Eco Living Network http://neln.org.au/join-us/application-form/ for a small annual fee. You will receive a monthly newsletter and can join on of our regular working bees, attend events at a reduced cost, participate in projects and enjoy our social events such as campfire nights, community dinners and film evenings. You can even contribute more formally to a group working on something you have expertise in and passion for. 

You can also check out our website for the current list of upcoming events or get in touch to find out about working bees - we are always happy to welcome those who would like to help us on the land.

With a few natural buildings popping up across the stage 1 land, we have already held a few hands-on building workshops which have been well-attended and are a great way to get involved. Any such events are normally advertised on our Facebook page and our website. Some of our owner-builder members are hosting volunteers to help them construct their homes. Get in touch with us via our website and we'll put you in touch with them.

Narara Ecovillage Co-operative Ltd is required to operate under Co-operative National Law (NSW) administered by NSW Fair Trading. It has a set of Rules as well as a Disclosure Statement These are both important legal documents however they don't really address the community living, aside from the necessity for all members to contribute 52 hours of volunteer labour each year to the Co-operative.

The Community Management Statement is the set of rules (or by-laws) for the Community Association. This document includes rules related to many aspects of community living such as pets, wood burners, building standards and more. The Community Management Statement is essentially attached to each lot within DP 270882 and so the rules remain relevant for any future owner of the lot and extend to all residents as well as land owners.

We chose the legal structure of a Co-operative to promote active participation in community. This helps us keep our costs down and promotes community collaboration.

Our rules require 52 hours per year (equivalent to only 1 hour per week). This is easily reached through a variety of ways, some examples are: being on the Board of directors, driving the tractor, joining our Land Team or Community Circle, washing tea towels, organising events or community dinners, helping with kids events and assisting with administration tasks, even remotely. There is something for everyone.

Conflict is not something we avoid and we accept it as both inevitable and can be transformative. We are a diverse group of people who come together with the shared purpose of contributing to a more sustainable future for all Life on the earth. Holding on to this vision is one way of recognising the prime reason for joining the ecovillage. It is not all about 'me' - it is more about 'us'. The choice of Sociocracy as our decision-making process has a strong influence on preventing escalation when strong differences of opinion emerge in a complex group setting like the ecovillage. See: How are decisions made in Narara Ecovillage?

Although Sociocracy is not a conflict resolution methodology per se and it operates more on a group than a personal level, putting the principles of Sociocracy into practice regularly through policy and operational meetings helps us develop skills required to reduce destructive conflict between individual members as well as groups within the ecovillage community. Sociocracy is closely aligned to practices such as Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and restorative conferencing which aim to promote compassionate connection between people despite their differences and to prevent or ameliorate the potentially corrosive impact of unresolved conflict. The practices of listening to others without interruption, clarifying our understanding, owning our responses to issues and seeking 'consent' to outcomes that support our shared vision all help to build a culture where conflict does not escalate and fester.

At Narara we have created the Collaboration sub-circle within a linked circle group focusing on social cohesion - our Community Circle. This is a policy making circle which promotes ways and means of helping members to gain and hone the personal skills of awareness, self-regulation and communication that connects. This circle also links to a group of 'supporters' - members with experience on counselling, mediation, therapy and personal development who voluntarily give time to others in the community who need to 'be heard'. We do not provide professional services and will refer members to specialists in the area where necessary. However, on many occasions, individuals, once 'heard' with empathy have managed to sort the issue out themselves or a simple witnessed listening session has resulted in the resolution of the conflict and, sometimes, a deepening of mutual understanding.

If a conflict becomes entrenched or repeated behaviour causes distress, the concern will be taken through a series of levels - at all times the aim being to resolve the matter in the least repressive way. The ultimate authority within the jurisdiction of Narara Ecovillage lies with the Co-op Board which has the capacity to remove an individual from membership. This is the option of last resort. Of course, if there is any contravention of the law, the matter is referred to the Police or other legal body.

Narara Ecovillage is not a pet-free community but our Community Management Statement includes the aim to minimise the number of pets on our parcel of land. We are concerned about the risk to wildlife as we have many lizard, frog and rare bird species on the land we have custodianship for. We take the protection of this diverse ecology very seriously. We are also aware of the potential disharmony, damage and distress among community members from cats, dogs and other domestic animal companions who are not managed well.

We also acknowledge the potential benefits of having well-managed pets in our community. Our agreed policy position includes restrictions on where dogs can go on common property, the use of leashes for dogs and cats when off personal property (we plan to create a contained off-leash area for dogs in the future) and the suggestion that cat owners have a fully fenced run if they are outdoor felines. Cats are not to be free-roaming at any time and rabbits or other potentially damaging rodents need to be contained.

Our aim is to manage the inclusion of companion animals in a proactive and collaborative way and we are drawing on the principles and practice of Sociocracy to trial a process which may be unique to Narara Ecovillage. See: How are decisions made in Narara Ecovillage? We have formed a decision-making circle of self-nominated members with a range of opinions on the issue of pets in community.

This Pet Circle will receive and consider applications from all members who wish to bring a companion animal onto the site as part of their household. These applications include information about the particular animal including their needs, daily care routine, patterns of behaviour and the names of other members who are already familiar with them who may share the care for the pet. Alternative plans for what happens if the pet or the community is really unhappy are also included in the application. This circle will consider the application, consult the owners and neighbours where appropriate, make suggestions around any concerns that are raised and set a timeframe for review of how things are going. If problems arise, the circle will collectively seek to find a resolution that meets everybody's needs, including those of the pet.

The Co-operative is committed to helping all residents reduce their local travel-related carbon footprint. Below are a few of the strategies being considered:

• Car sharing scheme
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Bike parking
• Golf buggies
• Community bus
• Shared school transport
• Shuttle to the local train station
• Shorter foot-access to the train station

Our roads are all shared zones with a speed limit of 10km/h and pedestrians have priority.

Carparking is limited within the village. Members are required to make provision for their own car parking requirements on their lot. It isn't possible to drive on certain lots within both stage 1 and stage 2. The owners of these lots will be allocated 1 car space. It may be possible to rent an additional car space if required. Kerb-side parking is not allowed.

Stage 1 (including 42 lots and 18 units) is sold out. That said, life happens and things change. It is entirely possible that a lot will come up for private sale within stage 1. If you are keen, we recommend joining the Co-operative, as current members are the first to be informed of any private sale opportunities.

Stage 1 consists of 60 homes. There are 42 standard lots and 18 cluster units. The lots range in size from 200 sqm for a Cluster Unit up to 600 sqm. The infrastructure works were completed in 2017 and houses have begun to pop up across the land.

Stage 2 will consist of approximately 43 lots ranging in size from 550 to 900 sqm. A draft concept plan has been developed and a Development Application (DA) was submitted to Central Coast Council in early 2020 and we are hopeful for a response in July/August 2021. We don't expect the civil infrastructure works will commence until December 2021 and subdivision will likely take place at the end of 2022. The lot selection process has already commenced.

Stage 3 and beyond - we are seeking to have the site rezoned through the NSW Department of Planning and allow a mixed used village style development, currently impossible to achieve under our R2 low density residential zoning. Ideally we would also be able to include more diverse housing types as well as some commercial and retail activities. Until we have more flexibility regarding the planning rules by which we are bound, stage 3 is just ideas bubbling away in the background.

The Ecovillage has established building standards that are designed to create homes which meet the sustainable aspirations of the village. Owners may choose whatever style of building they prefer from the more conventional concrete slab/lightweight frame construction, through to more natural techniques such as hempcrete, strawbale and rammed earth. The village even has its own Earthship house. All designs must meet a minimum NatHERS 7 stars rating. In addition, the building standards score aspects such whether the building materials are sourced locally, their embodied carbon, water efficiencies and more.

The Building Standards are currently being reviewed in preparation for an update for all new homes (both in Stage 1 and Stage 2). It will likely see an increase in the minimum NatHERS star rating and other modifications.

We have a group of trained assessors and a Building Review Panel who support all members to achieve a design meeting the building standards.

The building standards do not place many "requirements" on building designs. It is a point system where members have the flexibility of earning the minimum points through a number of ways. As such, there is no requirement to reach a certain standard in acccessibility or livability. That said, Livable Housing Design Guidelines and the idea of Universal Design is particularly important for members looking for a "forever home" as well as for community buildings. See Universal Design section below.

We get a number of enquiries about Tiny Homes and caravans. Within our current zoning (R2), living in caravans (or Tiny Homes on Wheels) is very limited. We do currently have four tiny houses on site.

Our Stage 2 planning is also looking at developing strategies to support more small footprint living options, from shared homes to granny flats and hopefully a few more tiny homes. You may also be interested in the section on Collaborative Living.

https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/regulation/2005/486/part3/div2/subDiv3

Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2005 Current version for 5 February 2020 to date (accessed 27 February 2020 at 03:25)

Subdivision 3 Installation of moveable dwellings elsewhere than in caravan parks or camping grounds

77   Conditional exemptions

The prior approval of the council is not required for—

(a)  the installation of not more than 2 caravans, campervans or tents on any land, so long as they are not occupied for more than 2 days at a time and are not occupied for more than 60 days (in total) in any single period of 12 months, or

(b)  the installation of not more than one caravan or campervan on land occupied by the owner of the caravan or campervan in connection with that owner’s dwelling-house, so long as it is used for habitation only by the owner or by members of the owner’s household and is maintained in a safe and healthy condition, or

(c)  the installation of a caravan or campervan on pastoral or agricultural land, so long as it is merely occupied seasonally by persons employed in pastoral or agricultural operations on the land, or

(d)  the installation of any moveable dwelling and associated structure on land for the purposes of accommodating a person who has been displaced because of a bush fire, but only if the moveable dwelling or associated structure is maintained in a healthy and safe condition and removed within 2 years after it is installed.

At present, the land is zoned R2 which allows for a standard house and the option of a granny flat (up to 60sqm) to be built on a lot. There are some rules such as the number of kitchens, laundries etc that a standard house can have before it will push he boundaries (and start looking like something other than a normal house). There are also requirements for private open spaces along with set backs and more. At present we cannot have terrace housing or units.

The homes built in stage 1 show the array of workable solutions within these constraints (noting that the cluster units were approved 6 years ago under different planning rules that are no longer available).

Meanwhile there are changes afoot... the Central Coast Council LEP and DCP has been under consideration for a few years now. Whilst it still has not been formally gazetted, a draft version has been widely discussed and was accepted by the Council administrator in December 2020 so the final version should not be vary different.  In addition, the Narara Ecovillage Co-operative has lodged a Planning Proposal requesting further allowances. 

As a guide only, you can expect the following options could be available:

• Dual Occupancy (allows two primary dwellings to be built on a single standard lot, each can be larger than 60sqm which is the limit for a granny flat)
• Boarding House (allows for many small self-contained units with shared living areas)
• Multi-dwelling houses (attached terrace houses) has been requested within the Planning Proposal for up to 10% of lots

We don't know just yet! We have commissioned a valuation and will form a committee to determine lot prices in July/August 2021.

What we can tell you is that we need to sell land to members of the Narara Ecovillage Co-operative at their value and the value needs to be set by an independent valuer (to avoid issues with the ATO because essentially we are selling land to ourselves).

We can also tell you that in 2019, land down the road from the Ecovillage (East of the High School) sold for between $360,000 and $400,000.

This is the best we can offer as a price guide for 550sqm lots in Stage 2. We hope our Planning Proposal will allow some of our large lots to be divided and offer people a smaller lot (for a smaller price). Other options to increase affordability are discussed under the section called Collaborative Living.

The Dots on Lots process has begun for Stage 2!

It goes a bit like this:

We invite all members to place three dots on their top 3 lots (on a large map). Conversations start between would-be neighbours or parties interested in the same lot, seeking to find mutual agreement or collaboration. Often the conversations help people make their final choice. But in the end, the Priority List number will be the determining factor as to who will purchase which lot. Whilst not entirely co-operative in nature, it is the simplest and fairest solution and helps us avoid what would be the normal process in our neighbouring areas - competition through price.

In about 2 months time we expect to start turning the dots gold (gold=sold). Once a dot is gold, a member with higher priority can no longer bump another off that lot. Gold dots can still move ... but only to a vacant lot.

As new members join, they are able to place a gold dot on any unclaimed lot.

As new lots become available (for example where members change their mind or due to life circumstances decide to exit the Co-op), an EOI will go out notifying all members of the new lot that has become available and allow all members one week to to express their interest in that lot. If more than one membership puts their hand up in the EOI process, again, conversations are encouraged and the Priority List is the final determining factor where the conversations don't find a resolution.

A member is placed on the Priority List on the date that 50,000 shares is purchased.

A member who has 30,000 shares can still purchase a property, however they will not have priority over any other member.

We acknowledge this process isn't perfect, but we found it to be for the large part clear and respected by all.

Yes and no.

The Dots on Lots process has started for stage 2 which includes 43 lots in total, however 3 lots are currently marked as reserved and not for sale.

Of the 40 lots available for sale, 6 of them are marked as special and will require interested members to provide an Expression of Interest (EOI) to give answers on how they plan to use the lot. The key goal for adding the EOI process is to encourage alternative housing types.

The EOI process will run concurrently with the Dots on Lots process.

Firstly, a deposit of $20,000 is due on signing the lot sales contract. Members who hold 50,000 shares will not need to pay this amount, their extra 20,000 shares will be converted to a deposit on their chosen lot. Members who only hold 30,000 shares will need to pay the deposit.

From there, we ask members who can (who are not dependent on bank finance), to pay for their lot by way of instalments over the period of the civils infrastructure contract. This is the works to create the roads, lay the pipes, and establish the electricity network and NBN for the newly created lots. We use the instalments on the lots to help us fund the cost of the civils contract. The exact lot instalments and their timing hasn't been confirmed but it will be something like 25%-30% by about 4 weeks after civil works have commenced and another 25%-30% about 2-3 months after the first instalment. The final balance owing on a lot will be paid on settlement. Settlement will be within 1 month of the completion of the subdivision - that is when Land Registry Services officially creates the new lots and issues new Certificates of Title for them. Please note that if someone is unable to pay for their lot by way of instalments, we will need to share our financing costs with that buyer, through a cost of interest on deferred instalments. Where a member defers their instalments, the full balance, less deposit, plus interest is payable on settlement.

We would expect the civils works and subdivision to take up to 12 months from the date the contracts are ready for issuing to Stage 2 buyers. This timing is heavily dependent on many factors out of our control so it should only be used as a guide.

The minimum shareholding per membership is $30,000. You may join as a single membership or joint membership. This is not a membership fee. The shares represent your purchase of a slice of the community land and buildings owned by the Co-operative that will never be sold. The shares will be repurchased from you should you choose to exit the Co-operative again.

For the financial year ended 30 June 2021 the fees are:

• Co-op Member Contributions: $2,376 per year ($198 paid monthly) - paid by all memberships (not just those who own land)
• Annual Bushfire Levy: $120 per adult (must be paid once on joining but in subsequent years a rebate will be available for hours of work contributed)
• Community Association Levies: Approx $700 per year for an average 550sqm lot ($175 paid quarterly). Please note the CA levies vary per lot depending on the value of the land as determined by an independent valuer. CA levies are paid from when you take title on your lot.

For the financial year ended 30 June 2022 the fees will be (TO BE CONFIRMED):

• Co-op Member Contributions: $3,096 per year ($258 paid monthly) - paid by all memberships (not just those who own land)
• Annual Bushfire Levy: $120 per adult will be charged in January 2022, however a full rebate is available for 6 hours of service to Bushfire Hazard Reduction Events
• Community Association Levies: Approx $750 per year for an average 550sqm lot ($187 paid quarterly). Please note the CA levies vary per lot depending on the value of the land as determined by an independent valuer. CA levies are paid from when you take title on your lot.

Note that these two charges work in parallel at this stage. The CA levies cover costs related to lot 1 and some of the community support. The Co-op contributions cover costs related to the maintenance of the Co-op owned land (lots 14, 38, 39, 49, 50) and the buildings on this land as well as the contractors such as handy people, admin, accounts and management for the organisation. The costs are largely fixed costs and are minimised with significant volunteer support.

Estimated future costs:

• Co-op Member Contributions: Assume $3,096 per year ($198 per month)

We expect to reduce and perhaps eliminate Member Contributions in the long term when the assets of the Co-operative are able to be used for income-generating activities. We are preparing a rezoning application to address the current zoning issues which are a restriction to what we are able to do in the short term.

• Community Association Levies: Estimate of $1,000 per year for a 550sqm lot, estimate $600 per year for a 2-bed Cluster unit

The cost is based on the budget which involves community consultation and consent. It needs to also include a sinking fund component. The total budget is divided by the total unit entitlements and each lot owner needs to pay their share based on their unit entitlements. The unit entitlements for each lot have been assessed by an external valuer and are based on the original valuation of the lots in 2016. The larger and higher priced lots will have a higher unit entitlement and the smaller lots, for example the cluster lots, will have a lower unit entitlement.

• Strata Fees: Estimate $300 - $800 per annum

This will be payable by Cluster owners. The main cost will be the insurance for the building (not contents). In addition there may be a component of maintenance of the shared spaces as well as a sinking fund for areas such as the Cluster carpark and other built assets.

It is important to note that all members are invited to participate in the annual budgeting process to the extent they wish. A high level budget is presented to all members where the membership discuss and agree on the levies. A detailed budget is presented to the Steering Circle and the Board and granular level scrutiny is undertaken by the team leaders and the Legal and Finance group. Our members are varied in their financial circumstances and we seek to reach a level of fees which allows for affordability and therefore diversity of membership.

Yes.

Rates:

All community title land is still rated in the same way as freehold land. When you first take ownership of a lot within Narara Ecovillage, you will be required to start paying rates of approximately $800 per annum. The rates are reduced until you achieve occupation certificate. At that point the rates include waste collection and increase to approximately $1300 per annum.

We are seeking reconsideration of the need to participate in the Council waste services as we'd much prefer to encourage waste reduction but this is new territory for the council and it may take some time to achieve an agreement with them. Of course rates are based on the land value so they will vary slightly lot to lot. The estimates provided are for an average 550sqm lot in stage 1.

Water:

NEV Water is the water utility for the site and operates under the Water Industry Competition Act (WICA). It will be responsible to read the metres and bill residents for water services instead of the Central Coast Council. In the Central Coast area, water rates are approximately $1200 per annum, depending on your usage. NEV Water have set their rates at a comparable cost to the local council and depending on usage, customers can expect to pay a cost of about $1200 per annum.

Electricity:

NEV Power Pty Ltd is the community's very own energy retailer and their prices are set competitively. It is worth basing estimates on your future electricity bills on your current usage with consideration for the efficiency of your new home and solar panels you plan to install. Some of our members are enjoying quarterly credits paid to them from NEV Power due to the quantity of solar panels they have on their roof compared to their daily usage.

NBN:

Connection to the NBN is optional and prices are always changing with multiple providers servicing the area. The NBN cabling throughout stage 1 is already in place ready for connection and it is Fibre to the Premises. The same will be available in stage 2.

By collaborative living we mean shared living arrangements for individuals and households on single lots of various sizes within the eco-village. These range from two or more households (or individual people) in separate dwellings up to co-housing schemes involving multiple households in one or more buildings, both ‘standard’ lots of 550 m2 and on the various larger lots planned for Stage 2.

You may have various reasons for wanting to adopt a different model from the single dwelling house on a standard lot. These can include needing a cheaper option, wanting to reduce their ecological footprint, or just feeling that they do not require so much space at this stage in their lives. You may also be attracted by the idea of cohousing, in which people make a conscious choice to share their lives by living in one or several buildings which incorporate shared living areas where people can cook, do other household chores, eat, and relax together.

The Narara Ecovillage community wants to encourage social diversity, and allowing for a range of different models for building helps make this happen. We are however restricted by the State and Council planning controls, which regulate allowable buildings on the site. A considerable amount of creative thought has gone into devising collaborative schemes that work within the controls.

The Collaborative Living at Narara (CLaN) Working Group was set up by a group of people who are interested in developing more collaborative living models within Narara Ecovillage. The group holds regular open zoom meetings on Monday afternoons at 5.30 p.m., and also organises events at open days and other occasions to encourage people interested in collaborative living to meet up, get to know each other and develop projects together, particularly in relation to the Stage 2 Dots on Lots sales process. The CLaN group has a discussion board, using the Slack app, and prospective members and interested parties can join via email invitation.

Cohousing is a word used to describe various shared living arrangements which go back to the first cohousing communities created in Denmark in the 1970s. There are now many hundreds of cohousing communities around the world, particularly in Europe and North American, and a growing number built or planned in Australia and New Zealand. There are many different models for cohousing communities, and probably no two communities are exactly the same. Typically, though, they include both separate living areas for individuals and families, and areas for common use, such as a large dining area where community members may eat together when they choose, and common living and recreation areas. The Narara Ecovillage already includes some elements of cohousing, but members of CLaN have been looking at ways of using the cohousing model within one or more of the Stage 2 lots. Kathryn McCamant and Charles Durrett’s book Creating Cohousing: Building Sustainable Communities is a good introduction to cohousing.

Australian resources on cohousing include
• https://www.facebook.com/cohousingaustralia
• https://transitionaustralia.net/site/cohousing-australia/
• https://www.uts.edu.au/research-and-teaching/our-research/institute-sustainable-futures/our-research/social-change-4
• https://www.murundakacohousing.org.au/resources
• https://www.chrysaliscohousing.org/resources.html

For many, the favoured outcome is being able to subdivide a lot so that two (or more) parties then are able to hold title over their specific share of the larger lot. This is simple from many perspectives, however there are fairly limiting planning controls, particularly regarding lot size as well as slope of subdivided lots.

If you are looking for an option where you don't want to (or can't) subdivide, you will need to contemplate the legal ownership of the shared lot.

There are various legal forms of ownership that can be used, each with their pros and cons that require careful consideration:

• Joint tenants (normally only relevant for married or defacto couples as the property will automatically pass to the other parties on the death of any one person)
• Tenants in common (where the names of two or three separate people/couples are on the lot title - here is an example of this in stage 1: https://nararaecovillage.com/2020/04/small-and-tiny-equals-affordable-living/)
• Company title (where a company owns the property and you can buy shares in the company to partly own the property)
• Co-operative ownership (like company title where a co-operative owns the property and you can invest in the co-operative to partly own the property)
• Unit Trust ownership (similar to company title, where a unit trust is set up and owns the property and you can be one of the beneficiaries and directors of the trust)

There are other options that are less than standard within the Australian context but are worth reading about as these ideas can be used with one of the above structures:

• Community Land Trust - https://communitylandtrust.com.au/
• The LILAC model - https://www.lilac.coop/

A group of CLaN members have commissioned a feasibility study on a specific large lot (Lot 91) from the architects Delisle Hunt Wood Pty Ltd. The architects have sketched several options, two of which (illustrated) are for large houses on cohousing principles. These designs uses the primary plus secondary dwelling model, so should be allowable even under the present (Gosford 2013) regulations.

Possible Large house on Lot 91: View from North-East
(from Delisle Hunt Wood Pty Ltd feasibility study)

The design illustrated provides for nine apartments, which are deliberately varied: five studio apartments, three one-bedroom apartments, and a ‘granny flat’. Each apartment has an en-suite bathroom and basic cooking facilities. There is also a substantial common area including full kitchen and dining facilities. The common areas and several apartments are wheelchair accessible. The total floor area is 387m2.

These designs show what might be possible on the larger lots. They could also be varied to provide, for example, a larger number of rooms with smaller dimensions, more common areas, etc.

Copyright for the designs is retained by DHW and the designs are available for groups forming around the idea of cohousing. A number of CLaN people have already expressed an interest in bringing a version of one of these designs into reality and are investigating suitable financial and legal models.

The key rule, contained in the CMS, is that if you own land within the Narara Ecovillage, then you need to be a member of the Narara Ecovillage Co-operative Ltd.

Where more than one adult is the owner of a lot, the options for Co-op membership include:

• Each of the adults hold their own individual membership in the Co-operative. That is, they are members each in their own right and have invested $30,000 each and pay their monthly contributions individually.
• Each of the adults are named on a joint membership of the Co-operative. That is, they have together invested $30,000 and pay their monthly contributions as a group or family.
• A company or trust is a member of the Co-operative and the individual beneficiaries are considered members. The collective invests $30,000 in total and pays their monthly contributions as a group.

Whilst the costs of contributions to the Co-operative (see Finance Section below) are set on a per membership basis at present, we plan to amend the membership options to include alternative types of membership for those who don't plan to own a lot. This change is likely to see a variation to the above. For example, the monthly contributions may be split and say $100 might be paid per membership (per lot) and $50 might be paid per adult. Community engagement will take place before we settle on the amounts within the final proposal which will then go to the Community for their approval. We are seeking a fair and equitable spread of costs for all members.

1) Get in touch with us via info@nararaecovillage.com

2) Connect into the group that collaborate via Slack (ask us to send you an invite)

3) Read this comprehensive document https://files.nararaecovillage.com/index.php/s/pJAT8yQEcX84mpd

Narara Ecovillage Co-operative Ltd (ABN: 86 789 868 574) is a distributing co-operative operating under the Co-operative National Law (NSW), adopted in the Co-operatives Act 2012. Within the legal entity of Narara Ecovillage Co-operative Ltd, we have 4 additional businesses including NEV Water, Collective Know-how and the Grafting Shed Cafe and Food Co-op. These operate under their own trading names but are part of the same legal entity and share the same ABN. As a Co-operative, all members are required to participate in doing the work of the co-operative - whether through manual tasks such as land care, administrative tasks or management tasks. You can learn more about co-operative structures at the Co-ops NSW website. It is important to note that, like a company, there is a separation of liability between the shareholders (and members) of a co-operative and the entity itself. Your financial risk exposure is limited to the value of your investment in the Co-operative (meaning shares in the Co-op or loans to the Co-op).

NEV Power Pty Ltd (ABN: 51 611 577 103) is a private company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Narara Ecovillage Co-operative Ltd.

NEV Water is not a separate legal entity. It is essentially a division of the Narara Ecovillage Co-operative Ltd.

Community Association DP 270882 (ABN: 36 554 223 614) is a separate legal entity similar to a body corporate. It was established when the land was first subdivided in 2018. Whilst it is a separate legal entity, there is cross-over with regard to the internal management as well as the membership of both entities. Anyone who acquires a lot within DP 270882 (25 Research Road boundary) automatically becomes a member of the Community Association on settlement of their purchase of that lot. Narara Ecovillage Co-operative as the developer is also member of the Community Association as it continues to own community title lots including all of the stage 2 land. Not all members of the Co-operative are direct members of the CA (as some members haven't yet purchased a lot within the Ecovillage), however they are all indirect members through their membership of the Co-operative which is a member of the Community Association. NSW Fair Trading have produced an easy-to-read guide on Community Associations that you can find on their website.

Narara Eco Living Network (NELN) (ABN: 95 813 021 962) is a separate incorporated association and registered not-for-profit. The member base of NELN includes many people who do not have an intent to purchase a lot within the Ecovillage. NELN membership involves an annual fee of $20 per person or $40 per family. Further detail on NELN can be found on their website.

A key message from Ecovillages around the world is the importance of having a decision-making method that is both inclusive and effective. We have chosen to adopt what is called Sociocracy (or Dynamic Governance).

Sociocratic meetings require us to exercise mutual respect, deep listening and clear, reasoned communication and, in so doing, create the practical foundation not only for effective collaboration but also for harmonious community.

In contrast to democracy (where 51% can overrule 49%), Sociocracy seeks consent from all members of the decision-making group (who meet as equals in a circle).

Our organisational structure consists of interlocking circles, each with its particular aim and area of authority (domain). Every co-op member is encouraged to join at least one circle, and all circles report to all members.

Decisions by consent are achieved by engaging all circle members in exploring issues, developing proposals, seeking objections & crafting solutions. Consent is feasible because proposals come with a built-in review process, so if they are deemed 'good enough for now; safe enough to try', they can go ahead, even if not perfect. That way, we keep moving forward, improving as we go.

For more info about sociocracy: https://www.sociocracy.info/what-is-sociocracy/ ; http://www.sociocracyforall.org/resources/

We are in the process of finalising our Governance Guidebook - it will be made available as soon as it is ready for sharing.

NEV Power is an approved embedded network. Within the village we run our own network. Lot owners are customers of NEV Power and are invoiced each quarter much like you would with any energy retailer. Under the Building Standards, every house is required to have sufficient PV on the roof to meet their needs and can export unneeded power and receive a feed in tariff. The NEV Power network has a high voltage connection to the external grid. This allows us to export excess power and also to import power when required. Currently NEV Power is working with our network supplier Ausgrid to upgrade our system to meet new national grid standards. We currently have a limit on our PV rollout until the upgrade is completed.  In addition we are working on the implementation of 400 kWh central battery array for the village. This will provide more flexibility to manage our production and demand variability. More information is available on our public website.

NEV Water is an approved IPART water authority. NEV Water supplies all community lots with 2 water connections, metered potable water for most uses within the house and an unmetered recycled water supply for flushing toilets and garden irrigation. NEV Water also manages waste water collection and treatment on site. NEV Water is currently negotiating with Central Coast Council to finalise a long term water services agreement which will provide potable water from councils own water reticulation system and allow the village to discharge untreated waste water into the councils sewage network. When that agreement is finalised it is expected that NEV Water will make use of the villages dam water to continue to supply an unmetered water supply for use flushing toilets and garden irrigation. More information is available on our public website.

Universal design is a home that is aimed at achieving an inclusive society. Universal design is creating a liveable and adaptable house so that it is functional for all people of all ages and abilities.

Narara Ecovillage encourages inclusion and flexible living arrangements but our Building Standards do not require the use of Universal Design in all plans.

In Stage 2 there is support for collaborative living arrangements where Universal Design principles will be integrated to enable ease and access for people with diverse needs.

Household requirements change over time in relation to physical capabilities. Most people can expect temporary or permanent limitations in their physical abilities in their life due to injury, illness, or age. Universal design means that every home can respond to the needs of a person with a physical limitation whether they are the primary occupant or a visitor.

Liveable house — designed to meet the changing needs of most home occupants throughout their lifetime without the need for specialisation.

Accessible house — designed to meet the needs of people requiring higher level access. An accessible house meets Australian Standard Design for access and mobility and can accommodate wheelchair users in all areas of the house.

Adaptable house — adopts the idea of a liveable house but in addition can be easily adapted to become an accessible house if the need should arise.

Building features, fittings and products are used to increase usability and inclusivity of all people of all ages and abilities. Ramps are used at entrances instead of steps. Rooms and features are of a size and type usable by as many people as possible. Doors and hallways are wider to allow for mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walking frames. Installation of fittings which can be used by everyone rather than screw taps which are difficult for people with limited hand function. The same applies to lever-type door handles and rocker electrical switches. Incorporating these fittings during construction reduces the need for later retrofitting.

Building a house focussed on universal design allows the owners to grow old in their home, reducing the need for any costly home alterations or the need to relocate and thereby ensuring community ties are not broken over the owner’s lifetime.