New Permaculture Research Institute Site - People interested in being involved

[GeoffandNadiaLawton]

We are exploring the possibility of establishing a new site for The Permaculture Research Institute as a demonstration site and education centre as a working community Permaculture Institute Model that can be replicated. We are looking for people who would be interested in being involved. We are looking at all possibilities of land choice. We would like to hear from anybody who is interested in being involved in such a community and also anyone who may have access to appropriate land.
Cheers Geoff and Nadia Lawton

[Apreskier]

....a little off topic

Who can I contact concerning more in depth information on Permaculture.

I am looking to gain more knowledge in this practice.

Claire

I can be reached at [email:3j44y69x]apreskier@aol.com[/email:3j44y69x]

[Mont]

Could you expand on your idea a bit Geoff?

[Richard Dugi]

Gday Geoff and Nadia,

My name is Richard Dugi. I did a PDC with you several years ago in the Channon. I am currently studying Env. SCi at JCU in Cairns. I am also the Env. Officer on campus.
As part of my env. campaign this year I am in the process of getting a Permaculture Community Garden up and running. I am in the early development stage. I have been given an initial budget of $1000 and hope to recieve more from local council grants, corporate sponsorship and local business.
One of the ideas is to establish a tropical fruit and native food forest, planted with vegies, to be used as a model by remote communities, schools, nursing holmes and others in Far North Queensland.
If you could give me any advice I'd really appreciate it.
Hope your doing well.
Regards Richard Dugi Email: ricahrd.dugi@jcu.edu.au

[gardenlen]

geoff,

exactly what would be involved in a venture like this?

what sort of or extent of involvement will be required by the accepted property owner?

len

[Felix]

Hi Geoff,

I have 2.37 Ha in Southern Tassie that hasn't really been touched in over 5 years. Sloping North aspect, quarter acre under regrowth forest, with winter creek line . It has not structures on it as yet, but will hope to build house sometime in the next couple of years. AM more than willing to explore your opportunities once all details/responsibilities are mapped out!

A

[Pedro@writeme.com]

Hello Jeff & Nadia

This sounds like an idea whose time has arrived.

Would it be possible to 'scale-up' a permaculture estate, say to the size of a small european principality such as San Merino or even Andorra?

Recent research re. "The Dunbar Number" seems to suggest that the "ideal" size of a human community is between 150 and 250 people.

Which got me thinking thus:

If 250 people each contributed A$10,000-00 towards a land-acquisition fund, purchasing power would be leveraged to TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.

Now, if each person was allocated 10 acres of 'private' land and, say, another 5 acres of 'communal' land; around 3,750 to 4,000 acres would be required to get up and running ...not an unrealistic target in the Australian context.

I would certainly be interested in doing something on this scale with like-minded people ...what a wonderful way to subvert the dominant paradigm!!

Cheers, Pedro.

[Antonino Giglio]

We are exploring the possibility of establishing a new site for The Permaculture Research Institute as a demonstration site and education centre as a working community Permaculture Institute Model that can be replicated. We are looking for people who would be interested in being involved.

I guys, eventhought I'm a newbie I'd realy like to be involved somehow. I can give help and learn mainwhile...
What do you think?
I'll do the PDC in September.
I don't have land thought... I'm in Melbourne.
Cheers,
Antonino

[Cly]

Pedro, tis a nice idea indeed though from what I've read 250 - 300 people is the desired maximum of occupants for a sustainable community. Although....................... if you split them up into two or three little hamlets across the property around a central hub so you can share large equipment and communal facilities I don't see why it couldn't be viable. :) Just my two cents. I know of a small family who is planning to do such a thing close to Brisbane.