ECO-VILLAGE RESIDENTIAL LOTS

The first lots were sold by the developer (Fryers Forest Research and Development) in 1998 and the last was sold in 2006. Since then most lots have been developed and some have changed hands. Eight of the original couples are still residents and some second generation “foresters” maintain a strong connection to the place. The planning of the subdivision, infrastructure of roads, water supply and services as well as the community rules and guidelines were established using permaculture principles. Holmgren Design Services provided planning and design expertise as well as management throughout this process.

Fryers Forest Plan

Fryers Forest Land Management Plan

All of the 11 residential lots were sold by an informal “word of mouth getting to know you” approach. The inclusion here of the following flyer text is to provide general information rather than to directly recruit new community members.

WHAT FRYERS FOREST VILLAGE COMMUNITY MEMBERS GET:

1. Freehold title to rural residential block (approx. 1 acre) with the following features:

  • gravity fed dam water supply with allocation of 1.0 Megalitre
  • maintained road access
  • underground mains power with potential for solar grid feedback
  • telephone
  • planning permit
  • well drained sheltered site with good sun exposure
  • good views and privacy easements from adjacent blocks

Fryer's Forest Creek Crossing

1998 – Entering the village precinct at Fryers Forest over the Nuggerty Creek crossing with box wood rails from thinned forest.

2. Share ownership (one eleventh) of 120 ha (300 acres) of common land which provides the following amenities:

  • substantial water supply dams and amenity lake
  • extensive vehicle and pedestrian access system
  • serviced community building site and stage one construction fund
  • recreational parkland and managed common forest
  • opportunities for part livelihoods from working the common land
  • access to future timber, stone and agricultural produce at low prices
  • secluded location surrounded by state park catchment
  • Village Council with body corporate land management plan
  • increasing timber and capital values

3. Allotment and architectural design advice from Holmgren Design Services plus owners’ manual with detailed information and guidelines based on permaculture design principles.

4. Initial stock of dry firewood, bush timber and topsoil (from common land).

Fryer's Forest polesSUSTAINABLE FORESTRY

The common land at the Fryers Forest Community is being husbanded to encourage the growth of larger retained trees by thinning smaller and stunted trees. This provides yields of firewood and durable post and pole timbers. Wood is sold from the property to customers in the central Victorian and Melbourne region as part of a long term sustainable management which will improve both the ecological and timber asset values of the community land.