How big is the village?
How does art fit into the village?
What makes the village environmentally sustainable?
What is the style of the community?
What are the practicalities?
How is the village organisation structured?
Does the Village Have its Own Dos and Don'ts?
Total land mass is 34.45 hectares, of which 16.7 hectares is village development, (with approximately 44% common land and community facilities) and of the farm area, 12 hectares is available for lease arrangements for organic based farming.
142 residential lots have been designated as the total housing area. Currently, there are also 11 Commercial lots. Planning is under way for a Central Facility, plus some affordable housing developments and townhouse and land packages, and additional community facilities.
The therapeutic and relaxation benefits of ‘art' have been well documented around the world, but many people believe that they do not have artistic ability. You don't have to be an artist, performer or even naturally creative to practice art yet benefits can be experienced just by being involved. You do not have to be an artist to live in the Village, although many artists are drawn to live here because the close proximity of other artists, often working from home, supports a cross culture of creativity and inspiration.
Walking around the Village, you can see that art forms a strong part of the landscape, from the beautiful house designs to the placement of artworks, as both decorative and functional items. The community areas will include a central arts facility, including a gallery and artists workshops, providing many opportunities to learn creative techniques for both pleasure and profit. Community Arts projects are run through the village arts committee, including mosaics projects, art exhibitions, and seasonal arts and craft markets.
Village residents are active participants in their environment with an understanding of sustainable principles and an awareness of their impact on the environment. To achieve this, there are many opportunities to work together, teaching and learning from one another, creating edible landscapes and community orchards and gathering places within easy access to their homes.
Permaculture (the conscious design of sustainable human settlements) is a cornerstone principle of the Village. This design includes food gardens (private and community) providing a direct, clean food source for residents and visitors. Revegetation programs are integral and support biodiversity, through retention and expansion of natural landscapes.Urban design will place human requirements before those of automation, and renewable sources of energy will be used extensively to power domestic, commercial and community facilities.
Housing designs need to meet environmental standards including low embodied energy, solar-passive design, and including solar hot water and rainwater collection. Waste minimisation strategies and guidelines are circulated to all builders on site. Recycled building materials are available for purchase on site. A building development committee is available for advice and support with house designs and information on access to non toxic building materials and finishes, as well as local knowledge of trades and services.
The sewage treatment plant located on the Village Farm, treats and recycles all Village waste water to irrigate the farm crops .Swales throughout the village collect stormwater and direct it to dams stocked with native fish and yabbies.
The Village is like many commercial housing developments whereby your privacy and lifestyle choices are not compromised. A big difference, however, are the principles that surround you – encouragement of creativity, environmental awareness, traditional community values and local business development.
The community is ‘managed' by a democratically appointed group of residents from the Community Corporation that has been established under the Community Title Act, and has to comply with the requirements of this Act.
Community is about diversity, support and opportunities. As a resident you can choose to be a part of and create opportunities to fulfill for your own needs and desires. This is an environment where people come together to create the lifestyle that they want, using collective intelligence, and through community capacity building, social enterprise, and community driven projects, there is a lot of scope for enrichment and development.
Many choose to live in this community because they are artists or environmentalists. Some come because they want a safe place for their children to roam and play. Some to have supportive neighbours that they can get to know and trust. Others want to share resources, tools, vehicles, storage space, knowledge. Many come because they see a way of the future, a way to address global warming and climate change, to live on a small footprint, and demonstrate by example, low impact living. Some come because they want to live and work at home, or they come for the closeness to the Willunga Waldorf school, or the beach, some come for all of these reasons. They see this as a better way of living, a simpler life, clean air, fresh food, great views, living amongst like-minded people with a vision for the future.
Land Sizes - housing blocks (community lots) vary in size with Conventional (600 sqm), Courtyard (450 sqm) and Townhouse (200 sqm).
Village Layout - By respecting privacy, in the village design, lots are free from rear neighbours and connect to generous community spaces.
Development Schedule - - Infrastructure construction commenced in 2002, and all essential services are now complete. Houses and community facilities will continue to be constructed over the next few years.
The Advantages of Buying ‘Off The Plan' - as with any housing development, buying off the plan offers cost savings and greater choice. It also offers the Village with the cash injection needed to develop the shared community facilities, such as the arts centre, community gardens, farm areas and business hub.
Financial Security - this is no different from any traditional housing development. It should be noted however, that around 30% of total sales had been achieved before the first Village sod had even been turned, and infrastructure has been developed in advance before homes could be built. Since the beginning there has been significant increases in land values in the area, and as the village is a 20 minute stroll to the beach, it is reasonable to expect a continued land value increase.
Cost - For further information please call Nathan Godfrey on 08 8384 7755 or email nathan.godfrey@sustainable-property.com.au
Enterprise Opportunities – the Village sets itself apart from other developments as it is incorporating enterprise activities within the infrastructure being created. The business development function is not only bringing opportunities to the Village but also to the State of South Australia.
Whilst the Village is in its initial development stage the company, Aldinga Arts EcoVillage Pty Ltd (ABN 59 084 016 017) is the developer with a team of directors and support staff. Once completed the development will be managed by its own, elected team of residents and assisting experts, forming the Community Corporation of the Village.
At present, the management structure includes a board consisting of –
Board
Chairman/Project Director – John Maitland 8410 4999
Finance and Business Development – Lou de Leeuw 8211 8171
Permaculture – Steve Poole 8556 6379
and external assistance –
Legal – Geoffrey Adam & Co
Bankers – Bendigo Bank
Engineers – Wallbridge & Gilbert
The Village has By-Laws which cover common property, building designs, energy efficiency, landscaping, fencing, waste, recycling, pets, water, communications and administration. They have been developed for the benefit of all residents, to protect the surrounding environment and the special character of the EcoVillage, and to encourage a commitment to sustainability.
The By-Laws are available for download here.