You can't stop development. Our region is growing, people need houses to live in. If we are going to meet our 50/50 by 2020 target, we will have to ensure that any development is undertaken with that target in mind. Developers will need to look at environmentally sustainable housing, both in terms of construction and energy use. Large scale developments should include investment in community owned power stations, and will need to take into account water conservation and storage. Local food production will become an increasing priority as our region grows, and Estate style developments would be well placed to take advantage of permaculture techniques that have been championed by John Champagne for years. Estate developments would also be well suited to using small scale macro renewable energy (such as a small solar farm), and I reckon there would be a lot of mileage to be made for a developer selling off green blocks. 

It can be done. BEND are doing it. The Bega Eco Neighbour hood Development are on the charge. On Saturday 21/6/08, BEND was officially opened by the federal member Mike Kelly, and the Bega Valley mayor Tony Allen.

BEND will build a sustainable development on the outskirts of Bega. Over 20 affordable house will be built. BEND are demonstrating that you can develop in a sustainable way. BEND have been working for years on this project, and to be at the opening was to watch history unfolding.

The excitement generated by BEND puts our community in a good position for setting up Bega as a Transition Town (one of 4 in Australia). Bega would be a terrific model for transitioning towards a new energy future. We have exciting options for solar, wind and bio mass generation in the Bega Valley. We will be holding a public meeting in Bega to discuss progress that we have made towards setting up Bega with 100% home grown renewable energy. 

Check out the Bega Eco Neighbourhood Development web site.