Kyogle greenlights new Northern Rivers community-run eco-village

KYOGLE Shire Council has approved Afterlee Eco-village, a new cooperative community-based living site 20 minutes west of the town.

Co-founder of the project, Shane Sylvanspring, is a private town planner and eco-village designer with 20 years’ experience in Australia and internationally. His excitement for the project is infectious, and he told this masthead the impetus was very much demand-driven.

“I’ve always been passionate about community-run projects and eco-villages,” Sylvanspring said.

“The light bulb was mainly what the community wanted. Many people want to buy into an eco-village or community, and there just weren’t many options around.”

The natural beauty and history of the original village make for a groundbreaking way of community living. Photo: SUPPLIED

Sylvanspring has been involved in eco-communities and villages in Australia and internationally for the last 20 years.

“A lot of people think we’re doing something new, but it’s been around for more than 50 years,” he said.

“The best thing is that because of that, we can learn from the mistakes of the previous generations and how we can make it better.

“Technology has improved so much. Going off-grid now is so easy and cheaper than being connected.

“We are looking at setting up a micro grid, which is incredibly exciting,” he said.

The 700-acre property is replete with stunning natural beauty. Photo: SUPPLIED

The land-sharing initiative will encompass 65 home sites, the historic Afterlee Primary School and the local Rural Fire Service facilities. The cooperative aims to blend community life with nature and regenerative farming and restore elements of the former township.

Sylvanspring is modest about his input and that he is one cog in an essential wheel of a dedicated community. The father of three lives in an eco-community in Mullumbimby and believes the Afterlee project will be a fully functioning eco-village within five years.

Once a classic dairy village, the site once hosted a general store, butchers, post office, school and community hall. Only the RFS building and the schoolhouse remained after the dairy industry collapsed in the 1960s.

“There’s always been a little village there, so the idea is that it’s such a beautiful area. If you have a village anywhere in that area, you might as well recreate it where the original one was.”

Existing land holders can now begin work on the property with building expected to start being built in late 2025. Photo: SUPPLIED

The first 31 sites have been sold, and round two for the remaining plots range from a quarter acre to an acre plot of $140,000 to $170,000 for larger holdings.

Plans are also underway for a communal pool, a community hall, work sheds, recreational facilities, a plant nursery, orchards, walking trails, and a café. Sylvanspring believes the first houses will be being constructed by the end of 2025.

Community sessions about the project and information on eco-living and sustainable communities will be held in Kyogle on February 1, Lismore on February 15, and Mullumbimby on March 1. For more information, visit afterleevillage.au