Presented by City of Melbourne & Urban Design Forum Australia

With the current Victorian Government focus on 70% of development within existing urban areas, there is a risk of neglecting the livability and sustainability of the 30% of housing that is slated to continue at the edges of our cities and towns. With the true cost of sprawl well documented, and growing awareness of our climate and biodiversity emergency, it is clear that we need a paradigm shift.

Witchcliffe Ecovillage in the Margaret River region of WA offers an extraordinary demonstration of what the future of our towns and suburbs could look like. From diverse housing options, low embodied carbon construction, food production, water self sufficiency, communal spaces and habitat restoration, the growing new neighbourhood is without peer as a new national benchmark.

Michelle Sheridan and Mike Hulme from Sustainable Settlements have been the driving force behind this vision, approaching the task of property development through the lens of permaculture. Michelle and Mike will share the story of their extraordinary project and reflect on the opportunities and barriers to accelerating innovation in the development of regenerative neighbourhoods.

The presentation will be followed by a discussion led by Nemesia Kennett, exploring how the challenges and successes of Witchcliffe might be translated into the Victorian context.

The Witchcliffe Team encourages attendees to watch the introductory film in the link below.

Learn more about Witchcliffe Ecovillage.

Image: Witchcliffe Ecovillage

This is an online event - please register your attendance to receive the Zoom link.