Communities Directory: Somerville Ecovillage

Forming Formed: 2000

Somerville Ecovillage

Chidlow, Western Australia,

Australia

Somerville Ecovillage is in Chidlow in the Perth Hills in Western Australia. The land (399 acres or 162 hectares) was purchased by the community in 2002. Permaculture principles and Pattern Language are used in the village design. The village will be self sufficient in water and electricity with the electrical power coming from photovoltaic panels. This is a community based project where community consultation has shaped the design and evolution of the ecovillage. Rezoning of the land at the State Government level was achieved in August 2007. Construction of the infrastructure is expected to start in 2008 followed by lot sales and construction of residences. There are still opportunities in 2008 (if you are quick!)for families, individuals and businesses to become involved. The Somerville Vision is: "A vibrant village where community flourishes, in which every person is supported and contributes in balance with a sustainable ecological ethic."

Website: http://www.somervilleecovillage.com.au

Contact:

Christophe Bouyac
PO Box 171
CHIDLOW, Western Australia 6556 Australia
Phone: +61-(0)8-9572 3672
Send an Email

Links:

Somerville Ecovillage: Somerville Ecovillage Home

Greenedge Web Site: Consulting and Ecovillage Development

International Telephone Info

Last Updated:2/5/2008

Visitors Accepted

(Visitors are welcome by appointment)

Visitor Process: Visitors should check the web site for current visiting arrangements: http://www.somervilleecovillage.com.au/get_involved/viewing.htm

Population Adult Members: 4 (Once established there will be approximately 100 homes on the site) Child Members: 1 (Once established there will be approximately 100 homes on the site) Non-member Residents: (Once established there will be various guest accommodation) Open to new adults: Yes (New members are encouraged) Open to new children: Yes (New members are encouraged) Gender Balance: 40% M 60% F Open to which gender(s): All genders welcome (New members are encouraged) Age Focus: Young Adults (We are keen to attract younger members to maintain a balanced demographic) Age Restrictions: No (New members are encouraged)	Government Decision Making: Other (Decision making tends to be consent.) Identified Leader: No (Decisions made by Board.) Leadership Core Group: Yes (Leadership is provided by the Board.)	Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances (Economic leakage is minimised where possible.) Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes (New members are encouraged.) Labor Contribution: Expected (Members are encouraged to attend working bees.) Join Fee: Yes (An annual fee exists for Association membership.) Regular Fees: Yes (An annual body corporate fee will apply to home owners.)
Land and Buildings Rural (The community is at Chidlow - a village approximately 50 kms east of Perth, Western Australia.) Area: 399 acres (161.5 hectares) (While some of the land is cleared, other areas are reverting to native bush.) Land Owned By: The community (The land was purchased in 2002 using loans from members.) Number of Residences: 2 (There are currently 2 families living on the land.) Cohousing: No (Cohousing is one of the options available.)	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: none (There will be a community supported agriculture scheme.) Share Community Meals: 1-3 times/month (Community meals will become more frequent once more members are living on the site.) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual (Community members are free to choose their own diet.) Dietary Practice: Omnivorous (There is wide diversity in dietary practices within the community.) Alcohol Use: Used occasionally (The community imposes no restrictions on alcohol use.) Tobacco Use: Used Occasionally (The community imposes no restrictions on tobacco use.)	Social Factors Open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members: Yes (The community imposes no restrictions on sexual preference.) Restrictions on Romantic Relationships (between consenting adults): No (The community imposes no restrictions on romance!) Shared Spiritual Path: No (Spiritual development is encouraged.) Which Spiritual Path(s): Other (There will be a diverse range of religions/spiritual paths and diversity is encouraged.) Educational Style(s): Home schooling :: Private school off the property :: Public schooled :: Other (Various options are available including local public and private schools (including Christian, Steiner and Montessori) and some families in the community already home school.)

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