Timeline

2012 

• The initiator of Shepherds Ground village and Farm, Lucie Bruvel kicks the project off, identifying the land and receiving pre DA approval from Port Stephens council for the development

• Lucie receives a 1 year scholarship with the School of Social Entrepreneurs

• First not for profit company registered as a working entity to develop the concept

• The property was secured with non member seed funding, donations and peer to peer loans.   

• Shepherds Ground official launch concert at Woodville hall

2013

• Option paid to secure the land for the project

• Campaigns and publicity to garner interest and support in the project

• First members purchase shares

• Fund raising, generous contributions big and small via donations and peer to peer loans

2014

• Start preparation for the Development Application

• Lodge DA with council for 29 homes

• Began process of forming co-operative (which became too drawn out over months)

• Formed Shepherds Ground pty ltd to be ready for purchase of land

2015

• January, DA passed unanimously at council vote!

• March, the land was purchased!  A combination of new members buying in and several peer-to-peer loans were provided to make this possible. 

2016

• S96 approved at council to make a staged option to the development, add another house site to make 30 and have a reduction to our S94 fees

• Many events continue on the Grounds, tree planting and renovations

• Construct internal roads to begin Stage 1 build

• Two thirds of shares sold

• Construction Certificates issued for Stage 1

2017

• Stage 1 of Village build commenced in January. 4 beautiful industrial hemp masonry homes are now in place. All hands working toward completion.

• Food planted around homestead.

• Continued native tree planting and care.

• Livestock on the land with pigs, cattle, sheep, guinea fowl and chooks.

2018 

• Commercial Greywater system in place

• Occupation certificates applied for with Port Stephens council

• Village road completed

• Water tanks in place

• 4 beautiful hemp masonry homes in the process of adding 'finishing touches'

• Hub undergoing redesign and refurbishment

• Further livestock purchased, breeding and flourishing

• Native saplings turning toward trees