Somerville Ecovillage
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[edit] Somerville Ecovillage
[edit] History
Two families - Paul and Robyn Antonelli and Jamie and Serina Ablett initiated the not for profit Somerville Ecovillage project in 2000 and involved the wider community to research people’s expectations of what an ecovillage should be.
In 2002, the community purchased 399 acres (1.6 km²) of suitable land in Chidlow, Western Australia for 1.1 million dollars, funding the entire purchase price in less than five months from within the community.
[edit] Location
Somerville Ecovillage is in Chidlow, a 45 minute drive east of Perth, Western Australia.
[edit] The land
The property consists of gently sloping north facing land with 70% natural vegetation and 30% cleared land. There is already an established orchard, existing cottage and other improvements. A winter creek and small spring-fed dam supply water to the property. It is proposed that there will be 104 lots on the land with lot sizes between 400 and 2000 m².
[edit] Village Design
The village design is based on Permaculture principles and Pattern Language as utilised successfully in leading ecovillages around the world.
[edit] Rezoning
Applying to rezone the land started in December 2002 and after due process, the Mundaring Shire resolved to adopt the rezoning proposal for the creation of the Somerville Ecovillage in April 2004. This was a key milestone for the project. Advertising for the proposed rezoning finished in October 2005. The Shire of Mundaring approved the proposal at the March 2006 monthly meeting. The proposal will now go before the Western Australian Planning Commission.
[edit] Community involvement
Community involvement has been a key ongoing feature of the project with the vision being, "A village where community flourishes, in which every persons needs are supported, in balance with a sustainable ecological ethic."
[edit] Sustainability in Action
Environmental, enterprise and social plans have been in place since the inception of the project. These plans continue to be developed and refined and ensure that the Somerville Ecovillage will be continued into the indefinite future.
[edit] International research
Paul and Robyn Antonelli and family completed a five month trip in February 2005 after visiting ecovillages in Europe and the United States. This included 23,508 kilometres of road travel, visiting 13 countries, 25 communities and 6 educational facilities. New insights in areas such as governance, social and economic structures, layout and design will now be applied to the Somerville Ecovillage. For example, Sociocracy is now being investigated as a possible governance model.
Paul and Robyn found that the Somerville community is truly at the forefront globally in the methodology of ecovillage establishment, and has much to share and offer other communities around the world.
