The Somerville Ecovillage project is a not for profit community based initiative that is creating a world class ecovillage in Chidlow, only 45 minutes drive from the centre of Perth. The village design is based on Permaculture principles and Pattern Language as utilised successfully in leading ecovillages around the world.

Exhaustive planning and research from the outset has minimised risks and increased the likelihood of the success of the project.

Two families, Paul & Robyn Antonelli and Jamie & Serina Ablett, initiated the project in 2000 and involved the wider community in a unique and very successful approach to research people’s expectations of what an ecovillage should be. Following the review of 16 sites throughout Perth over a nine month period,  in 2002 the community purchased a 399 acre highly suitable property in Chidlow for 1.1 million dollars, funding the entire purchase price in less than five months from within the community. No external finance was needed.

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.

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. Since this time the rezoning application has moved to the EPA and WA Planning Commission. Consent to advertise the proposed rezoning was received in April 2005.

For comprehensive information about the Somerville Ecovillage visit our website www.somervilleecovillage.com.au