What size is the Village?
The total site area is approximately 14 ha, or 35 acres. There are 65 Lots for dwellings, areas of native bushland and riverfront open woodland set aside as Environment Protection Zones, a Heritage Protection Zone containing two historic chimneys, a large area set aside for community productive gardens and orchards, walking and bicycle paths, and community parkland and small lake with the Community Centre, lap pool and tennis court.

What size are Lots in the Village?
The average size of Lots designated for individual dwellings is approximately 650 sq metres. The largest Lots are approximately 850 sq metres; the smallest 6 Lots are 450 sq metres. There are 6 smaller Lots designated for Terraces for Home Business use, and 8 for Townhouses. All Lots open to community land and parks, with many having 2 or even 3 boundaries adjoining open space, and all Lots share access to community facilities and amenities.

Are there restrictions on what and where I can build?
All Lots have a designated building footprint for the dwelling including car accommodation, designed to protect both you and your neighbours from things like overshadowing and loss of amenity and privacy. The Design Guidelines also set out the principles to be considered in the design of your dwelling, as well as a range of materials and colours. These will ensure that your dwelling is healthy, safe, low maintenance, and has low environmental impact.

How will noise and pollution from the Pacific Highway affect the Village?
Work on the Pacific Highway, which currently forms the eastern boundary of the Village site, is due for completion in 2009. (IT ACTUALLY HAPPENS ON THURSDAY 17TH DECEMBER, THE SIGNS ARE NOW UP!) It diverts some 300 metres further to the east, and is screened from the Village site by hills and trees. Traffic noise will cease to be a problem and any pollution impact drastically reduced.

What native wildlife exists on the Village site, and how will it be protected?
The site abounds with native animals, and over 50 species of native birds, many of which are resident, and breed and nest here. The areas of native bush on the Village site have been set aside as Environment Protection Zones, including the river frontage, and the existing native vegetation is being reinforced with endemic species. No cats or dogs are allowed.

Is the Village site bushfire prone?
A leading bushfire expert and consultant has prepared a full report for this project, and that has been checked and endorsed by the Rural Fire Service. Asset protection zones are incorporated; site maintenance and landscaping will follow the guidelines; permanent water supply points are incorporated throughout; and the Environment Protection Zones, although important areas of native bush to be retained, are themselves isolated from larger bushland areas.

What costs are involved for residents in the Village?
Final levy charges have yet to be determined, but $3,000 is likely to be a maximum, and would be paid quarterly. Some Council rates will still be payable, but less than for a conventional subdivision. Normal running and maintenance costs associated with individual dwellings are still payable.

What savings are likely for residents in the Village?
There will be no Council charges for water or sewerage services, and charges for Council garbage services may be waived depending on final Village recycling policy. Facilities such as lap pool, tennis court, community centre and small craft access to the river will be free of charge to residents. Energy costs will be minimised by generation of “green” energy by dwellings, energy efficient dwelling design, and use of energy efficient appliances. Produce grown on site in the community productive garden will be either free to residents or available at minimal cost. Depending on individual choices made by residents, including use of the car share, savings could be at least double the levy charges.

What form of property title applies?
The project will be developed as a Neighbourhood Scheme under the NSW community schemes legislation. This legislation which, together with the strata schemes legislation, is administered by the Department of Fair Trading, is considered to lead the world. There are no onerous restrictions on buying or selling Lots, except a requirement to build within a specified time.

Is the land flood-prone?
The lowest level of the Village site for building lots has been set at 6.0 metres AHD, 0.5 metres above the Council 1 in 100 year flood level requirement prescribed in the Conditions of Approval. The site then rises to a maximum height of 18.0 metres AHD.

Can views from the Village ever be lost?
No. Views from the Village are across prime agricultural land which is flood-prone, on both sides of the Camden Haven River, to State Forests and National Parks, North and Middle Brother Mountains.