The questions keep coming....

Please  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

These answers are work in progress and provide a base and a starting point.

We answer these questions with the best of intentions. However different people have different opinions and keeping with the spirit of community the developer is now extending an invitation to like minded people who would like to commit to the village and become a member of the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee will ultimately decide the direction and further development of the village. 

Who is going to make decisions about; how the land is going to used, what community buildings are going to be built, what activities are going to happen etc?  Up until June 2011 all decisions have been made by Parsons Bay Lodge Pty Ltd, the developer.  From July 2011 a Steering Committee, comprising initial lot owners and advisors with relevant backgrounds, will provide guidance on key issues regarding the lifestyle of the village until such time as 50% of the lots are sold. Some of the questions in this list are for up for review by the Steering Committee and are marked accordingly.

What will happen after 50% of the lots are sold? The lot owners will make decisions regarding the development and maintenance of the village.

What is a strata title scheme and Body Corporate? A strata title scheme is a particular type of development which divides a parcel of land into ‘lots' and ‘common property' and specifies a particular type of management. The Body Corporate is the controlling body of the strata title scheme. The owners of the lots in the scheme form the Body Corporate.  The Department of Primary Industries , Parks, Water & Environment has a full explanation of strata title living in Tasmania.

How soon can I build? Building can commence once titles have been issued. The property is being developed in stages. It is anticipated stage 1 titles will be issued no later than 1^st June 2012. Stages 2, 3 & 4 will be developed as soon as 50% of the lots in each stage are presold.

I like a particular block. Which stage is it in?

Stage 1 comprises lots:

 8,9,10,12,13,16,15,48,49,50,51,52.

Stage 2 comprises lots:

17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,72.

Stage 3 comprises lots:

1,2,3,4,5,6.

Stage 4 comprises lots:

57,58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70.

How do I know how many of each stage have been sold? Current sales information can be found on the ‘PURCHASE' page of the website.

Do I have to build? Can I just own a block of land? A community is a group of people, not a greenfield with vacant blocks of land. The sales contract includes a clause requiring lot owners to build their home within 5 years of settlement.

What if I do not build within 5 years? The developer can choose to purchase the pod (block) at the original purchase price.

Can I change the building design? The Tasman Council has pre approved 5 dwelling designs. For a small fee (approximately $100) the building design can be amended. The new design requires approval from the Body Corporate before being submitted to Tasman Council.

Can I build a shed? Yes, with Body Corporate approval.

Can I buy more than one block? Yes.

Can I buy two blocks together and build one dwelling over the two? Yes, with Body Corporate approval. This may require a minor amendment of the permit.

After starting to build my home, how long have I got to finish?  To minimise the impact on neighbours we propose one year from the start of construction to completion.

Can I run my own business from home? Yes, subject to Tasman Council approval, it is a permitted use as most of the lots are zoned business/residential.

Who looks after the common property? The Body Corporate is responsible for maintaining the common property.

Who looks after the food production? The Body Corporate will engage a farmer who will be responsible for food growing, harvesting and distribution using a Community Shared Agriculture model. May be reviewed by Steering Committee.

What is Community Shared Agriculture? Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) is a way of providing a direct link between the farmer and the consumer. CSA models can differ, however, the common theme is consumers subscribe to the harvest and receive a weekly box of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables. Here are some good links:

Description and handbook by Friends of the Earth

The Real Dirt - a quirky documentary on CSA farming

 What are the Body Corporate fees for? How much will they be? The Body Corporate fees cover; maintenance of common property, insurance for all buildings (not contents insurance), public liability, waste collection, costs associated with water supply (pumps and filtration), electricity for common property, sinking fund for common property and administration costs. The total annual cost of these services is divided up amongst each of the lot owners according to the lot's unit entitlement on the Strata Plan.  The annual fees can vary from year to year based on the decisions made by the Body Corporate. It is estimated the fees will be approximately $1500 per year.

What will the council rates be per annum? On today's rates it is estimated to be $800 per annum.

Is there a way to reduce the Body Corporate fees? Yes. Lot owners can decide to have busy bees as an alternative to employing contractors to maintain the common property. Buildings on common property eg a community centre, community kitchen have the potential to earn income through rent which can offset Body Corporate expenses.

What services are included in the price? Underground power, reticulated potable water, grey water recycling, sewerage, Telstra and ADSL internet.

Where does the water come from? Water is harvested from the roofs of the buildings, the creek and the bore.

Can I supply my own solar power? Yes, you will be encouraged to do so.

Can I have a composting toilet? Yes, composting toilets are permissible. Septic tanks are not.

I like the idea of community, however I need my privacy. How can I achieve both? Research shows that when homes are more densely clustered, people have the opportunity to interact more with each other, which can naturally create a strong sense of community. The layout and design of the village is aiming to combine both privacy and community. Many of the pods are situated so that there is a private aspect and house designs will further influence an occupier's privacy. For example the lots on the northern boundary have a private aspect to the north. The village will not suit those who are seeking acreage.

Why are the blocks so small? The blocks have been designed to be sufficient for a dwelling and small amount of personal space, with the common property maintained by the Body Corporate. This ensures a general tidiness within the village. Lot owners can apply to the Body Corporate to manage areas around their dwellings for their personal use and will be entitled to do so if the area is maintained to a required standard.

Why are the lots circular? Historically a circle has signified unity and oneness, as well as the nature of life cycles. We believe the symbology combined with aesthetics is a good foundation for a community eco-village. It's good to think outside the square!

Can I fence my lot? Yes with approval from the Body Corporate.  Designs will be required to be aesthetically pleasing.  Suburban style fencing is discouraged. Natural products will be encouraged as well as hedge plantings.

I need space to grow my own vegetables, how can I do that? Lot owners can apply to the Body Corporate to manage areas around their dwellings for their personal use and will be entitled to do so if the area is maintained to a required standard.  Within the village individual vegetable garden plots have been set aside. Lot owners can apply to the Body Corporate to use an individual garden plot for a minimal fee.

Can I have pets? Under certain conditions, some areas allow pets. May be reviewed by Steering Committee.

What work is available in the area? Located within Nubeena are the following employers; Tasman Council, Tasman District School, Tasman Health & Community Services a 36 bed hospital which provides Child health care, Community health, Community nursing, Aged care, Home care, Hostel, Medical, Mental health, Nursing home, Occupational therapy, Outpatients, Pharmacy and Social Work, various tourism and hospitality operators including Port Arthur Historic Site, Tassel  Fish Farm, farming, trades and small businesses.

Where does the 5% of the net sale proceeds go? What will the money be used for?Upon the sale of each lot or apartment, 5% of the net sale proceeds is deposited into an interest bearing Building Trust Account managed by the Body Corporate. Funds from the Building Trust Account will be used to construct community buildings and gathering spaces such as; community hall, sweatlodge, amphitheatre, rotundas, art gallery, meditation spaces as decided by members of the Body Corporate.

What happens with rubbish? Recycling stations will be placed in strategic locations, rubbish will be cleared once a week. Each lot will have an additional bin for their personal use. Compostable matter in special bins will be cleared daily and fed to animals and the compost heap.

Where can I put my tools? In your garden shed, alternatively a communal tool library is proposed to be located in the village common, maintained by rostered  volunteers who live in the village.

I want to rent out my house/unit myself.  Do I have to have it managed by Parsons Bay Retreat?   No, it is your choice.

I want an investment property. What return will I get? The existing 2 bedroom apartments are sold with a 7% guaranteed return for 3 years. More information is available on request.

 Can I use the pool, spa and sauna at Parsons Bay Retreat? Yes, village residents and their guests will have membership and can use all the facilities for a small fee.

How much car parking is available? Each lot has a designated car space on common land. In addition there are 50 car spaces shown on the master plan. The Body Corporate could choose to increase the number of casual parking.

I have a boat where can I keep it? If there is insufficient space on your lot, you may park your boat in the designated boat parking area, currently 4 spaces shown.

I want to part of the village now. I don't want to wait 12+ months to build. There is an option to buy an apartment whilst roadworks take place. Upon issue of titles and completion of your home, if you cannot sell the apartment on the open market, the developer, Parsons Bay Lodge Pty Ltd, will buy your apartment at the original purchase price.

I want to be part of the village but don't have the money to buy. In stage 2 on selected lots there will be cohousing accommodation built suitable for rental. Also, there are government incentives which may assist; First Home Buyers Grant & Homeshare.

I do not drive a car, what public transport is available? Tassielink has a daily service Monday to Saturday, tourism operators also take passengers from Hobart. We propose to have a shuttle bus owned by the Body Corporate going to Hobart as necessary on a fuel shared cost basis with volunteer drivers. The local supermarket, post office, doctors, chemist and bakery are within a 5 minute walk.

How can I find out more about the area? Here are some good links:

Port Arthur Historic Site

Shipsterns Bluff - great video of amazing surfing location close by, featuring a board designed by a local Artist - Stuart Wissing

Port Arthur & Tasman Tourism Association

Discover Tasmania - Tasmania's official tourism website

'Busy Bodies' - delightful video created by local artist and teacher Suze van der Beek. It showcases activities of seniors on the Tasman Peninsula.  Suze also has more delightful clips with the local school children here.

I am considering making a move to Tasmania. Is there any other information you can direct me to? These links may assist: 

Migrating to Tasmania

T-change - Making a tree change to Tasmania

Is there anyone else doing this sort of thing? There is a strong global movement toward community living. These sites Intentional Communities  and Cohousing Australia are good resources.

Where do I look for more information about sustainable and new ways of living? 

Sustainable Living Tasmania

Transition Towns

Be the Change with Changing the Dream Symposiums

Futures Tasmania