Life in Currumbin Ecovillage is a deliberate choice, made by residents who trade modern conveniences like pets for a sustainable lifestyle intertwined with nature and community. The village, situated on the southern border of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, boasts 110 hectares of pristine land reforested to become a wildlife sanctuary and corridor.
For Bill Smart, a retired mechanical engineer turned resident, life at Currumbin Ecovillage is about communal living – "That's us!" he exclaims upon learning the definition of solarpunk. This intentional community, envisioned by Rob Doolan, a 45-year town planner with extensive experience in planned and collectively managed communities, features shared title, management structures, and financial arrangements.
The rules are strict when it comes to pets, except for certified service animals. No cats or dogs allowed – a decision made to protect the native wildlife and mitigate environmental impacts. Instead of furry friends, residents share their space with wallabies, kangaroos, frogs, snakes, birds, bandicoots, koalas, echidnas, and platypuses.
Life in Currumbin Ecovillage is not without challenges, but Smart attributes the community's success to its collaborative nature. When a wastewater treatment plant needed replacement, residents came together to fund a new system that enables reusing water for non-consumption purposes. Community gardens provide fresh produce to OzHarvest, which supports vulnerable people in need.
While decision-making can be contentious, communal activities like happy hour at the cafe and meal-sharing when a family is expecting a new baby foster a sense of unity among residents. It's this human connection that makes living in Currumbin Ecovillage worthwhile for Smart – "It's not about the structures; it's about the people."
The village has grown over the years, with estimates suggesting around 500 residents call Currumbin home. As they celebrate their 20th anniversary, the villagers embody a spirit of cooperation and environmental stewardship, proving that community living can be both practical and fulfilling.
For Bill Smart, a retired mechanical engineer turned resident, life at Currumbin Ecovillage is about communal living – "That's us!" he exclaims upon learning the definition of solarpunk. This intentional community, envisioned by Rob Doolan, a 45-year town planner with extensive experience in planned and collectively managed communities, features shared title, management structures, and financial arrangements.
The rules are strict when it comes to pets, except for certified service animals. No cats or dogs allowed – a decision made to protect the native wildlife and mitigate environmental impacts. Instead of furry friends, residents share their space with wallabies, kangaroos, frogs, snakes, birds, bandicoots, koalas, echidnas, and platypuses.
Life in Currumbin Ecovillage is not without challenges, but Smart attributes the community's success to its collaborative nature. When a wastewater treatment plant needed replacement, residents came together to fund a new system that enables reusing water for non-consumption purposes. Community gardens provide fresh produce to OzHarvest, which supports vulnerable people in need.
While decision-making can be contentious, communal activities like happy hour at the cafe and meal-sharing when a family is expecting a new baby foster a sense of unity among residents. It's this human connection that makes living in Currumbin Ecovillage worthwhile for Smart – "It's not about the structures; it's about the people."
The village has grown over the years, with estimates suggesting around 500 residents call Currumbin home. As they celebrate their 20th anniversary, the villagers embody a spirit of cooperation and environmental stewardship, proving that community living can be both practical and fulfilling.
I mean, who wouldn't want to live in harmony with nature? The fact that they're prioritizing sustainability and community over personal stuff is super admirable. I've got a friend who's always going on about minimalism and living off the grid, but it sounds like this place actually makes it work 
. And I'm not gonna lie, sharing your space with wallabies and koalas would be pretty awesome 
. The only thing that'd make me hesitant is having to give up my cat... just kidding! Sorta 
and I gotta say, it sounds kinda cool. Living among all those wild animals would get old after a while though 
. I'm not sure if I could give up my furry friends for the sake of the environment 
, but I can appreciate the thought behind it. The part about sharing food and meals with others is really cool too - community bonding over a shared goal 
. And 500 people living in one place? That's either a lot or not enough, depending on how you look at it 
.
. It's heartening to see a community that prioritizes environmental stewardship and social connection, and I'm sure it's not just about the rules, but about building strong relationships with one another 
.