Current Status
The Afterlee Ecovillage project continues to move forward with strong momentum.
Following the approval of our Development Application by Kyogle Council in December 2024, we are pleased to announce that our Construction Certificate (CC) was also approved in May 2026, a major milestone for the project and community.
Our focus now shifts toward delivering the core infrastructure required for the ecovillage, including internal roads, wastewater systems, and associated civil works.
With its unique blend of ecological design, cooperative ownership, private homesites combined with shared infrastructure and community facilities, affordability, participatory governance, and long-term stewardship, Afterlee Ecovillage represents one of the most ambitious and values-aligned ecovillage projects currently underway in Australia.
Our Land
The Afterlee Ecovillage spans 700 acres in the Cob O’Corn valley at 200m elevation, bordered by Cob O’Corn Creek. It features four housing clusters, including a village center with community facilities, over 100 acres designated for farming, and more than 400 acres of forest for conservation and community use. Located in the biodiverse Richmond Range near Toonumbar National Park, the land, formerly used for farming, includes grazing paddocks and wet sclerophyll regrowth forest. The ecovillage aims to restore the landscape through ecological rehabilitation and regenerative agriculture, promoting sustainable food production and improving the natural environment. A spring-fed dam provides water security and recreational space.
Our Infrastructure
The site currently includes a school, two dwellings, and farm outbuildings that may be converted for communal use based on member preferences. Funds in the share price (stage 2) are allocated for communal facilities, with potential future projects including a community hall, multi-function shed, natural swimming pool/sauna, work hub, dance and meeting space, and a public café/store. Common infrastructure will include internal roads and wastewater facilities for village homesites, while off-grid power and water systems will be needed outside the village. Over 100 acres of farmland will support agricultural activities, with any commercial ventures requiring co-op board approval. Community workshops will determine the extent of communal farming and use of the extensive forest area.
Our Legal Structure
The Afterlee Ecovillage is governed by a co-operative structure, a model used by landsharing communities for over 40 years. It operates as a legal distributing co-operative under Australian regulations, with day-to-day operations managed by an elected board of directors.
The co-op’s rules guide meetings and decision-making, and the community uses a landsharing policy along with holistic management and sociocratic governance techniques where applicable. Those interested in membership can learn more about shares, homesites, co-op rules, and the landsharing policy by reaching out via the contact form.
Our Members
The skills and talents of current Afterlee Ecovillage community members include: farming, horticulture, ceremonial, teaching & education, physiotherapy, yoga, cooking & food prep, natural therapies, landscaping, carpentry, music, management & governance, accounting, medical, butchering, plumbing, film & photography, legal, electrical, software, counselling, parenting, decolonisation pathways, home gardening, support work, artistry, dance.
If you’re curious about the broader movement, read our guide to ecovillages in Australia.