Jarlanbah was NSW first rural Community Title and eco-village development. Designed by Robyn Francis, it has become a model of ecollogically sustainable development (ESD) and cited by NSW Dept of Planning as an example of best practice rural ESD.

Just a kilometre from the heart of Nimbin Village, and right next door to Djanbung Gardens, the 22 hectare (55 acre) property consists of 43 residential freehold lots and 13 ha (33 acres) of community land. The community title by-laws ensure sustainable management of community land and provide guidelines for energy efficient houses, waste treatment systems and productive garden landscapes on the residential lots.

The community land is divided into specific landuse areas for reforestation, woodlots, sustainable agriculture, community centre and open space. Five dams provide for wildlife, aquaculture, fire-fighting, irrigation and recreation.

The first residents moved onto Jarlanbah, Feb 1994. Now with over 50% occupancy Jarlanbah is evolving into an excellent example of community living and permaculture at work.

Permaculture gardens and edible landscapes, chook-tractor domes, and food forests abound on the half acre (2,000 m2) residential lots. The owner built houses demonstrate a diversity of building styles, materials, applications of passive solar design and innovative waste treatment systems.

Some Jarlanbah residents are registered WWOOF hosts providing an opportunity to enjoy being a part of community life

Further details and information, read the Jarlanbah article by Robyn Francis

VISIT www.abc.net.au/rn/utopias features an interview with Robyn about Jarlanbah and video of Djanbung Gardens & Jarlanbah.

return to ecovillage and sustainable community