Looking into the Legal Stuff

Last year when we were finding ways to purchase the land at Narara, we investigated raising the deposit by seeking a loan of $5000 from 100 SCEV members. I really loved that idea because it meant that many people would have a stake in the project, for example young people and others with small bank accounts. However we understand that SCEV Inc is not able to raise money directly from the public without first issuing a prospectus. Unfortunately, a prospectus takes a great expense to prepare, money SCEV does not have.

We understand that the beautiful Narara land is being revalued by the NSW government and will come back on to the market in the near future.

We have heard about a wind farm development being funded through a cooperative structure with funding provided by members and a developer. Another suggestion is to purchase the land in a private company issuing shares and yet another is to raise loan funds partially through a debenture fund, all with less onerous and expensive outset costs. What we need is some advice on legal structure and associated legal requirements for funding a community based land/housing development, so that we can be more prepared and ready to purchase the Narara land when it comes back on to the market. This week I have spoken to people at PILCH (Public Interest Legal Clearing House), the Environmental Defenders Office and a lawyer at a city law firm with the intent of finding options for the best legal structure.

We are also looking out for a development partner with similar ideals, values, vision, cash and energy. When we get our land funding structure right, some sort of joint venture could look very appealing to all parties.

If you are able to help us with any of this please contact us or if you know of someone with this skill and knowledge, please let me know. I want to be clear that any help offered does not constitute any long term commitment. It is my 60th birthday today and i can’t imagine being involved with anything more exciting than this ecovillage project. What a gift the universe is giving me!

Fantastic, this journey to ecovillage.

I feel we are in a river definitely flowing to the sea, but which tributary we are going to take, needs to evolve.

I am discovering that it’s all about divine time not my timeframe. I never know what is going to happen from one day to the next (not that i really knew before this ecovillage journey, i just thought i did!)

We have had the lovely Melissa Boo here from the US. She has been studying ecology in Australia, found our project on the web and has just finished a preliminary permaculture layout plan for our Narara land. She presented it at this month’s gathering at Kirribilli and engendered some good discussion (see website ‘Latest News’). We also met with a consultant from the consulting firm Urbis, who generously shared his knowledge and expertise and reinforced our view that the Narara project ‘has legs’.

We have heard that the NSW government still wants to sell the Narara site, which may involve a revised valuation. SCEV Inc Assoc is considering options for a joint venture/partnership arrangement to work a way forward and at some stage soon, we may be asking members to indicate the types of contributions, they can make to the project. If anyone knows of an expert in corporate law and structures, please let me know.

I feel we are in a good position - a number from the broader SCEV community have indicated their delight with the project too. We have heard that innovative cohousing/ecovillage projects in the U.S. can even have a waiting list to get on the books. SCEV could represent ‘presales’ and so will be attractive to developers considering this venture. If we feel they can take us forward in line with our values and meeting our needs, we will consider working with them. When we find our right partner it will be win, win.

This recipe was a winner at our gathering on 3 May 2009:

Red Lentil Dhal

325gms red lentils 2tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp ground cumin ½ tspfenugreek seeds 2 tsp mustard seeds 2 tsp turmeric powder 1 large onion ½ tsp coriander 1 tsp dried chilies

2 cloves garlic 4 medium tomatoes, diced 1 medium red pepper, chopped into large pieces 1 large sweet potato, diced 1 tbsp cold pressed coconut oil 1 tbsp olive oil 1 bunch coriander, chopped Sea salt

Heat oils oil pan, when hot add cumin, fenugreek and mustard seeds. When the seeds begin to pop (almost immediately) add other spices and cook for 30 seconds before adding onion and garlic. Cover and sweat over medium heat.

Add lentils and 1 cup of water, stir through. Add sweet potato, pepper, tomatoes, 2 cups of water and some sea salt. Bring to the boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 40 minutes or until lentils are very soft, adding more water every 10 minutes if required.

Stir in half the fresh coriander and cook for a further minute. Serve with brown rice, topped with the rest of the coriander