Tasman Ecovillage

Nubeena, Tasmania, Australia

  • Last updated: February 28, 2016 (1 year ago)
  • Listing created on: April 10, 2011

Mission Statement

Our vision is a thriving, caring community which celebrates our connection with the earth and with each other.

Community Description

Overlooking Parsons Bay in Nubeena, on the stunningly beautiful Tasman Peninsula, our 23 acre property is being transformed into a modern, sustainable and affordable community. We are re-purposing a 70s motel and are fortunate to have inherited several lovely community spaces – a large kitchen, common room, spa and sauna, tennis courts and bbq area. The land is undulating with diverse natural features.
Just an hour and a quarter from Tasmania’s capital city, Hobart, we are surrounded by beaches, forest and magnificent scenery. We are five minutes walk from the centre of Nubeena, where there are many services: district school to year 10, police and emergency services, doctor, chemist, post office, two supermarkets and a tavern.
We have a vision of a way of life that –
● affirms our understanding that we are an integral part of nature, respects all beings, and treads more lightly on the Earth,
● acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and the rich diversity of our own ancestral histories,
● is resilient and able to adapt to a changing world,
● is sustainable ecologically, socially and economically,
● is developing efficient, sustainable and locally-based systems for food, water and energy,
● is cooperative and mutually supportive,
● has decision-making and group processes which promote harmony,
● encourages a focus on relationship and inner peace,
● provides a safe, loving environment where everyone flourishes and is nurtured,
● is a vibrant hub of community arts and crafts,
● is fully engaged with the larger community of which it is a part, and
● is a place of healing, training and education

About

  • Type(s): Ecovillage (organized around ecology and sustainability), Cohousing (individual homes within group owned property)
  • Programs & Activities: School, Educational Institute or Experience, Volunteer, Internship, or Apprenticeship, Ethical Business, Investment Group, or Alternative Currency, WWOOF’ing, Guest Farming, Festivals, Conferences, Events
  • Location: Small Town

Housing

  • Status: We have land we have developed on
  • Area: 23 acres
  • Current Residence Types: Single-family homes, Room(s) in a house or building, Yurt, tee-pee, dome, treehouse, or tent, Lots to build on, Visitor accommodation
  • Current Number of Residences: 9
  • Planned number of residences: 50
  • Planned Residence Types: Single-family homes, Room(s) in a house or building, Yurt, tee-pee, dome, treehouse, or tent, Natural built structues, Lots to build on
  • Housing Provided: Purchase, Rental, Work-exchange
  • Land owned by: Owners Corporation
  • Additional Comments:

    We are an ecovillage designed around co-housing principles. It is a registered strata title scheme – you own your home and a share in all the common property. There are 9 strata title units (part of the re-purposed motel complex) that are owned by community members. 50 land lots are to be developed as pocket neighbourhoods – designed for maximising community interaction. The first ten land titles were released in 2015 (with some already sold) and there will be more for sale soon. There is an existing village centre, with a community kitchen and large common room – all common property.

Membership

  • Adult Members: 12
  • Child Members: 2
  • Non-member Residents: 6
  • Percent Women: 50%
  • Percent Men: 50%
  • Percent Transgender: 0%
  • Visitors accepted: Yes
  • Visitor Process:

    We hold regular Open Houses – please check our website for details.
    If you would like to stay, please get in touch. We have different arrangements depending on how long you would like to stay and your interests.

  • Open to new Members: Yes
  • Membership Process:

    Our membership process is simple and inclusive. Just fill in an application form and find two community members to nominate you. Providing there are no paramount objections to your application, you will be invited to a WISE gathering – a wisdom and information sharing event. Here you will pledge to uphold our Vision and Values and then be welcomed into our community.

Government

  • Decision Making: Sociocracy
  • Identified Leader: No
  • Leadership Core Group: No

Economics

  • Dues, Fees, or Shared Expenses: Yes
  • Regular Fee per Month: $90
  • Shared Income: None
  • Required Labor Contribution: Encouraged or suggested
  • Open to members with existing debt: Yes
  • Additional Comments:

    The “ongoing contribution” of $90 per month is the Owners Corporation fee. It pays for maintenance, insurance and other property expenses. Membership of TEVA (Tasman Ecovillage Association) is $10 per year.

Sustainability Practices

  • Energy Infrastructure: We use both systems.
  • Current renewable energy generation: 50-75%
  • Energy sources: Solar, Clean Energy from the Grid
  • Planned renewable energy generation: 100%
  • Current food produced: Up to 25%
  • Planned food produced: From 50-75%
  • Food produced locally: Between 26-49%

Lifestyle

  • Common Facilities: Common House, Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Hot tub or hot springs, Large Scale Kitchen, Fire pit, Gym or sports area, Internet
  • Internet Available: Yes, both the community and individuals provide it
  • Internet Fast?: Yes, it’s fine.
  • Cell Phone Service: Good for most people.
  • Shared meals: About once a week
  • Dietary Practice: Omnivorous (plants and animals), Local (food sourced within 150 miles), GMO Free (only non-genetically modified organisms), Mostly Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
  • Dietary Choice or Restrictions: No – people may eat however they wish.
  • Special Diets OK: Yes
  • Alcohol Use: Yes, used occasionally.
  • Tobacco Use: Yes, used occasionally.
  • Common Spiritual Practice(s): Ecumenical (accepts all religions or spiritual practices)
  • Education Style(s): Home Schooling, Public Schooling, Up to each family or individual
  • Healthcare Options: Up to each family or individual

Community Network or Organization Affiliations

The Fellowship for Intentional Community (FIC), Global Ecovillage Network (GEN)

Keywords

inclusive, diverse, connected, coastal, organic, affordable, permaculture, CSA, renewable energy