Plots are available in a greenlit ‘ecovillage’ planned to revitalise the village of Afterlee, near Kyogle
After three years of planning, the Afterlee Ecovillage has received approval from Kyogle Council, bringing an intriguing development to the community of Kyogle.
Lismore
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An intriguing new land-share initiative has been approved by a Northern Rivers council for a 65-homesite ecovillage in the state’s north.
The 700-acre site located at the former village of Afterlee, 25km west of Kyogle in Northern NSW, will accommodate ecological and sustainable built village and small acreage sites costing from $145,000 to $170,000.
The project represents a novel approach to multiple-occupancy development – the land is owned collectively by shareholders of the Healthy Living Community Co-operative (HLCC), who are shaping the village’s design, features, and development, supported by expert guidance.
Town planner and co-founder of Afterlee Ecovillage Shane Sylvanspring said the first step in the process was selecting a suitable site, focusing on key criteria such as accessibility, water availability, and compliance with planning regulations.
“It’s a dream come true,” Mr Sylvanspring said.
“It’s taken three years to get to this point … the site still needs a lot of work, but we are planning to reopen Afterlee school in a couple of years.”
Half of the flood-free plots were sold in the first round which paid for the land, and round two has just opened with 30 additional plots, making affordable housing options accessible to new members who must be approved by the board.
Second round moneys will contribute to the $1.25m required works for the site, which include roads.
Mr Sylvanspring said it’s more than an investment, it’s “living in a community who practice sustainable living”.
He said current members have spent the year completing a permaculture course and learned about ecovillage design.
Afterlee Ecovillage was co-founded in 2022 by Mr Sylvanspring who created the co-operative that owns and manages the land.
“I’ll be on board for the next two years then the project will be handed over for the community to manage,” Mr Sylvanspring said.
He said there are plans of shared solar power, a communal pool, a community hall, work sheds, recreational facilities, a plant nursery, orchards, walking trails, a cafe, and the revitalised school.
“The co-operative offers affordable smaller homesites near its central hub, the ‘village centre’, as well as larger acre options, and we are focused on aesthetics and holistic building practices that can bring our community in closer harmony with nature and the land,” Mr Sylvanspring said.
“The ecovillage will blend community life with nature and regenerative farming, and aims to restore elements of the former township.”
Currently, Mr Sylvanspring and Ms Redmond are working through the conditions of consent and managing the development of the village.
Information sessions are planned for February and March in the new year at:
● Kyogle – Saturday 1 February 2025, Banquet Hall (downstairs KMI Hall), 2-5pm
● Lismore – Saturday 15 February 2025, City Bowling Club, 2-5pm
● Mullumbimby – Saturday 1 March 2025, Venue TBD, 2-5pm
Got a news tip? Email catherine.piltz@news.com.au
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