Page History

Please note that you shouldnot rely on these informal summary answers for any legal or financial matters. The formal legal documents of the Co-operative are the Disclosure Statement, the Rules of the Co-operative and our Community Management Statement (which are linked further down).

Please also note that as much as we endeavour to keep this Q&A page section up to date, answers may change as new circumstances dictate.

Ecovillages are ‘intentional’ settlements communities which support the needs of most people feel for connection with, support from and contribution to their community as well as to the planet through reducing consumption and promoting cooperation.

We refer to Robert Gilman's One definition of an ecovillage , is: '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 (NEV) is a member Member of the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN). Their Their website might  might help answer this question through their own definition as well as a long list of various links to many ecovillages around the world.  You will note that we have lots of ‘three letter acronyms’ (TLAs!) that people soon get used to.

(back to the top)

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 the options to connect with the Ecovillage. Please read the next Question & Answer if this sparks your curiosity.

Bear in mind also that a ‘Membership’ may comprise one person, or a couple or family, or indeed a group of people who wish to own a lot together, and you’ll find more details further on.

The process starts The process starts with inquiry, exploration, conversations and meeting as many of the members Members of the community as possible, before we get down to business:.  We hold a monthly Open Day, which you will find on our public calendar on the website at https://nararaecovillage.com/calendar/. Alternatively or in addition we would be happy to arrange a private tour of the village – please contact info@nararaecovillage.com. We request a nominal contribution for both of these options. Once you feel you wish to move forward, the process is:

1. We require that you attend a minimum of
2. 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.
3. We request you to attend 5 events, varying in nature including observing a at least one 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 of which we share the ownership of. We also encourage you to come to at least one social event too - its not all – life at NEV is much more than just working bees and meetings around here! The 5 events can include an your open day or private tour.
4. 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.
5. Finally, you will be asked 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.
6. Finally, you will be asked to fill in an application form which simple application form which asks you to affirm your intent to purchase a lot inside the Ecovillage and your commitment to contribute the required annual volunteer hours (52 per Membership, or an hour a week – most Members do significantly more as they get more involved).

Once ratified by the boardNarara Ecovillage Co-operative Board, we will send you the bank details, and the receipt of your funds is the last piece of the puzzle. The minimum investment for a ‘Membership’ is $3030,000 shares (30which equates to $30,000 shares). Please note that whilst the shares are "like a deposit" they are 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, on your own or as part of a group - you can also pause or even change your mind on your journey at any point without significant financial penalty.

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

(back to the top)

We are planning to expand the membership of the Narara Ecovillage seek to include those who won't own a lot living in the village .This membership option will suit tenants living on siteas tenants, those who live near bynearby, and perhaps even organisations or entrepreneurs who would like to be connected to the village. 

We are discussing how best to expand affiliation with the Narara Ecovillage to include those who don't plan to own a lot in the village.

We haven't finalised the details of this 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 httpNetwork  https://neln.org.au/join-us/application-form/ for a small annual fee. You will receive a monthly newsletter and can join on one 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 at reduced cost. 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 the calendar on the 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.in village activities.

(back to the top)

Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms directs ‘Wwoofers’ to opportunities to help on land and building projects, as do Workaway and HelpX (short for "Help Exchange").  These are exchange platforms on which people offer or receive homestays or camping, including their lodging and food, in exchange for performing agreed-upon tasks for a number of hours each day. 

With various owner-builder home projects across the Village, we have held a number of hands-on construction workshops which have been well-attended and are a great way to get involved, and learn about new (and traditional) building techniques. If such events are planned, they are normally advertised on our Facebook page and our 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 Members host volunteers to help them construct their homes. Get in touch with us via our website and we'll put you in touch with them.

(back to the top)

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.

• Our governing document is the Co-op Rules: https://files.nararaecovillage.com/index.php/s/8t9dmkg9SjjxCcE
• You may also like to read our Disclosure Statement: https://files.nararaecovillage.com/index.php/s/MfEmf2ikAYTHk8n
• And the latest audited financial reports: https://files.nararaecovillage.com/index.php/s/m3qM242aqsEWMaa

The Community Association has its own set of rules, or by-laws, called the Community Management Statement (CMS)The Community Management Statement is the set of rules (or bylaws) for the Community Association. This document includes rules related to many aspects of community living such as building standards, pets, wood burners , building standards and more. The Community Management Statement is essentially attached to each lot within our overall planning permit 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.

at NEV.

• The user-friendly version of the CMS can be found here: https://files.nararaecovillage.com/index.php/s/aQHxkbN3kTrxc6L
• An official, registered, version of the CMS can be found here: https://files.nararaecovillage.com/index.php/s/5zzceAkq2Lw9BP7

Though these are all important legal documents, they don't in themselves impart the rich feeling of community living.  There is nothing better than going for a walk round the village, and a common pastime as people become more familiar is ‘NEVing’ (chatting about whatever are the latest relevant issues, questions or projects) with whomever you may meet!

(back to the top)

Conflict is not something we avoid cannot always be avoided and we accept it as both inevitable and can sometimes inevitable but with the potential to be transformative if carefully handled. We are a diverse group of people who come together with the shared purpose of contributing to a more sustainable future for all Life 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 significant influence on preventing escalation when strong differences of opinion inevitably 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 methodology per se and it operates more on a group than a personal level, putting one to one 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 giving everyone the opportunity to speak, listening to others each other 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 is less likely to escalate and fester.

At Narara we have operate with ‘circles’ (equivalent to committees or groups in other organisations) which have various responsibilities and defined domains (areas) of operation. A circle may also have sub-circles (Working Groups) and 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 positively. This circle also links to a group of 'supporters' - members with experience on in counselling, mediation, therapy and personal development who voluntarily give time to others in the community who need to 'be feel that they have not been adequately 'heard'.

We do not provide professional services and will may 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. We have also offered an occasional facilitated community-wide Listening Space to allow members to hear one another without interruption or response. 

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 ultimate capacity to remove an individual from membershipMembership. This is the option of last resort. Of course, if there is any a significant contravention of the law, the matter is would be referred to the Police or other legal body.

(back to the top)

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 Members from cats, dogs and other domestic animal companions who are not managed well.

We However, 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 have outdoor felines. Cats are not to be free-roaming at any time and rabbits .  Rabbits or other potentially damaging rodents also need to be strictly 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 We now have a Pets in Community Working Group (linked to the Community Circle) which receives and considers applications from all members who wish to bring a any 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.

The Working Group considers This circle will consider the application, consult consults the owners and neighbours where appropriate, make makes suggestions around any concerns that are raised and may set a timeframe for review of how things are going if there are any doubts about the successful integration of the pet within the community. They then recommend to the Community Circle that the pet is approved. If problems arise, the circle will collectively seek to find Working Group will explore a resolution that meets everybody's needs, including those of the pet.

We also now have a Pet Picture Gallery in the same way that we have photos of all of our human members.

The process followed here exemplifies our intentions to seek resolution through inclusion and participation within a clearly defined structure of inter-connected circles. See: How are decisions made in Narara Ecovillage? 

(back to the top)

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.

There are currently only a handful of lots remaining. Current pricing averages from $430,000 to $480,000. However, things change and sometimes lots are for sale, occasionally with approved building designs, or even with homes already built.

We do have several larger lots and anticipate being able to welcome another 10-12 new Memberships when some of them are subdivided into smaller lots of around 450m2. They will be available first to those who are already Members and have reserved a place on our Priority List.

We are also actively exploring the opportunity for some multi-occupancy dwellings for more accessible and affordable living (details below).

Private sales of either lots or houses also come up from time to time and our Rules ensure continuity of community ethos through a general requirement that on-selling is to another Narara Ecovillage Cooperative Membership. 

(back to the top)

Stage 1 consists of 60 homeslots. There are 42 standard lots and 18 cluster units. The lots range in size from 200 sqm for a Cluster Unit up to 600 about 710 sqm, besides the Heritage House lot, which is 1,354 sqm. The stage 1 infrastructure works were completed in 2017 and most of the houses have begun to pop up across the landnow been completed.

Stage 2 will consist consists of approximately 43 lots ranging in size from 550 to 900 sqm. A draft concept plan has been developed and a Development Application (DA) has been submitted to Central Coast Council and we anticipate the commencement of lot selection towards the end of the year (2020). We don't expect the civil infrastructure works will commence until early 2021 and subdivision will likely take place 2022.1200 sqm. Civil infrastructure works are completed and about 30 lots have now sold.  The first homes have received our internal Building Review Panel approval and a few have already obtained Council Development Application approvals too. With the first construction fence up already, we anticipate the area to become a hive of activity over the coming months.

There are not yet any active plans for Stage 3 and beyond, however we are reviewing what other development opportunities might suit the Ecovillage, given we now have our Planning Proposal approved allowing for commercial use and multi-unit dwellings.

(back to the top)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. We are currently preparing an application for rezoning and hope to lodge with Council in 2020.

The Ecovillage has established building standards that are designed to create homes which meet the sustainable aspirations of the villageVillage. 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 Village even has its own Earthship house. All designs must

We are now working to meet a minimum NatHERS 7.5 stars rating. In addition, the building standards score aspects such whether as the embodied energy in the building materials are sourced locally, their embodied carbon, how far they have had to travel, water efficiencies and much more.

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

(back to the top)

We get The building standards do not place many demands on the layout of building designs. It is a points system where Members have the flexibility of earning the minimum points in 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 three 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 next section on Collaborative Housing.

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.

ways. As such, there is no requirement to reach a certain standard in accessibility or liveability. That said, Livable Housing Design Guidelines and the idea of Universal Design is particularly important for many Members, looking for a "forever home", as well as for our community buildings. See Universal Design section below.

(back to the top)

>Co-housing< >Share housing< >Collaborative Living<

These are commonly used terms referring, in essence, to living in a less secluded, individual manner. In a way that brings more connection with others.

People choose alternative housing options for a variety of reasons - for the freedoms it can provide, for social interaction, for physical and community support and for financial reasons.

For us, we've used the term Collaborative Housing to refer to different housing arrangements where more than one household collaborates and shares a lot.

This may entail to separate buildings on a shared lot.

Or it could include two semi-separate dwellings with some shared facilities - perhaps a shared laundry. Maybe a shared kitchen and dining area. Even a shared guest room or study.

It could also look like a large house with private wings and common living spaces.

The options are endless.

The homes built in Stage 1 show an array of workable solutions (though the Cluster Units were approved 6 years ago under different planning rules that are no longer applicable).

However, there has been a change in planning authority and we now come under Central Coast Council. Dual Occupancy (allowing two primary dwellings to be built on a single standard lot) is now possible on most of our more level sites.  In addition, the minimum permitted lot size is now reduced to 450m2, and we expect to release some 450m2 lots on Stage 2 in 2025.

At present, the land is zoned R2 which allows for at least a standard house with the option of a secondary dwelling (up to 60sqm) to be built on a lot, even where dual-occupancy is not permissible. A ‘large house’ with several residents may offer another solution, and could be built and owned under ‘Company Title’.

With any house, there are some limitations such as the number of kitchens, laundries etc that it can have before it will push the boundaries (and start looking like something other than a normal house). There are also requirements for private open spaces along with setbacks and more.  However the Narara Ecovillage Cooperative has also lodged a Planning Proposal requesting further allowances. The Planning Proposal has been approved and is in the final stages of completion.  We are hopeful that the option for up to 15 multi-dwelling homes sharing lots will be confirmed shortly.

There is further detail of shared options in a useful document designed specifically for the Collaborative Living group at: https://files.nararaecovillage.com/index.php/s/YjbPCHttGScjTxQ

In addition, you may like to explore this Collaborative Living wiki page: Collaborative Living at Narara (CL@N)

(back to the top)

We are drawing on the wisdom of many alternatives to individual land and house ownership from all around the world.

Options currently being considered include (in no particular order):

• Tenants in common (where the names of two or three separate households 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 housing (where a co-operative owns the property and you can invest in the co-operative to partly own the property)
• Strata title (this structure will be used for the Cluster units in stage 1)
• Community Land Trust - https://communitylandtrust.com.au/
• The LILAC model - https://www.lilac.coop/

We plan to spend more time on these options over the next 6 months, and most likely we will have an array of solutions to suit various people's needs.

obligated to sell land only to Members of the Narara Ecovillage Cooperative and at market value determined by an independent valuer (to avoid issues with the ATO Australian Tax Office, because essentially we are 'selling land to ourselves').

The last of the currently available lots being sold by the Narara Ecovillage Co-operative are priced based on the independent valuation obtained in 2022.  A new valuation was received in 2024 and will be used to set prices for the newly subdivided lots which are expected to be released in 2025.

Currently available lots and their prices can be viewed on our website: https://nararaecovillage.com/sustainable-homes-for-sale/

(back to the top)

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.

‘Member’ or ‘Membership’ may be comprised of one or more individuals and/or corporate entities. Commonly this might be a single person, a couple, a family, or several people who may decide to share a lot with one or more homes upon it.  One “Member’ or ‘Membership' has one vote.        

The minimum shareholding per Membership is 30,000 shares which cost $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, less a small administration fee.

(back to the top)

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 $900 per annum. The rates are reduced This is a reduced rate until you achieve recieve your occupation certificate. At that point the rates will include waste collection and increase to approximately $1300 $1400 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 is responsible for reading the meters and to 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 and . NEV Water anticipates to charge a similar cost, though this is still being finalisedhave 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.

NEV Water will commence water charges on lots at the time a water connection is established, or where this is delayed, 24 months after the date NEV sells a lot to a member.

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 the 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.NEV Power runs our microgroid and community battery which stores our excess daytime solar for use during the evening, minimising our consumption and often exporting significant excess into the grid when the sun shines.  

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 across Stages 1 & 2, ready for connection, and it is is Fibre to the Premises. The same will be available in stage 2. 

(back to the top)

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.

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 individuals (or households) in separate dwellings up to co-housing schemes involving multiple households in one or more buildings.

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 your ecological footprint, or just feeling that you do not require so much space at this stage in your life. 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, and these processes are still actively under discussion.

(back to the top)