The site proposed for the ecovillage comprises 73.2 hectares on the old cane
fields either side of Carkeet Road, at the intersection of O'Regan Creek Road.
It is walking distance to the beach, accessed through public easements. The land
has two creeks which bisect it into smaller areas. One third of the land has Wallum
forest (mainly Banksia trees), skirted by access tracks. There are some magnificent
remnant trees which point to the site's past as part of a coastal rainforest which
gives evidence from adjacent bushlands. The land is gently undulating and ideally
suited for walking and bike riding.
What is An Ecovillage?
An ecovillage provides a new model for living by combining ecologically sustainable
development principles, with the notion of creating a cohesive community in the
way that smaller rural communities have done throughout history.
Unlike a standard suburban development, which isolates our places for work, home
and play, the ecovillage model aims to create integrated places which allow people,
at all stages of their lives, to live together.
Whilst normal suburbs encourage separation between neighbours and activities,
an ecovillage is built around community hubs which can be easily accessed by walking
and biking. The ecovillage, through its land sensitive design and energy efficient
homes, aims to be self-sufficient and low in impact. All types of site water and
waste water are recycled into gardens and productive landscapes, and ‘hard' infrastructure
such as pipes, are replaced by soft treatments such as grass swales and retention
ponds
A Vision for Caral
“I believe there is a groundswell of people just like us that are searching…for
quality of life, peace of mind…a simpler more harmonious life…sustainable housing…to
enjoy nature…the feeling of living on acreage, without all the work…a sense of
community…back to traditional values. This is the vision for Caral. Our goal is
to have Caral become a model for future urban development: Something for Hervey
Bay to be truly proud of as a world leader in environmental strategies”
Ernie and Leonie's Vision
Ernie Lee and Leonie Vallance are local Hervey Bay people who are planning to
build an ecovillage at Toogoom. Ernie's first idea was to buy a large block of
land and start planting trees, to leave a legacy for the next generation. Leonie
always wanted to make a difference, especially to the environment. “I believe
deep down everyone wants to feel significant, unique, special and to feel their
life has mattered, to leave footprints, I wanted to create an alternative to urban
development and Caral was born".
In the early stages, Leonie watched a documentary on Caral, the mother city of civilization. It had a profound effect on her.” If Caral
was the first city in 2627 BC and was built on peace, fun and a common goal of
harmony…that's where we need to get back to” says Leonie. Caral encompasses all
the aspects of my “Sense of Mission” as a human being. A quote that has inspired
me for a long time comes from Stephen Covey “To Live, to Love, to Learn and to
Leave a Legacy”
We would like to leave a legacy with Caral Ecovillage.
Contact us at:
Caral Ecovillage
PO Box 825
Hervey Bay 4655
Ph/ fax 07 4124 6163
mobile 0416 253697
lifestyle@caralecovillage.com.au
