Document Library

The Document Library will be a repository of all the important documents you’ll need to read and understand if you want to become a resident of the Witchcliffe Ecovillage. We are constantly adding new links to important documents and recommended reading to this page as they are finalised, so be sure to check back here often.

Ecovillage Sales Documents

Firstly, be sure to check out The Sales Process if you are interested in finding out more information about purchasing a lot in the Ecovillage. When you’re ready to buy, contact us at [email protected] or on (08) 9757 6688 and we’ll send you a link to your strata’s sales contract documents on a secure portal of our website. You’ll need to read through these documents thoroughly and accept them to proceed with the sales contract. 

The Witchcliffe Ecovillage is far from a standard residential subdivision. If you’re considering buying a residential or commercial lot in the Ecovillage, we want to ensure you understand you’re buying a lot more than simply a piece of dirt on which to build a house or business.

Download Lot Price Inclusions >>

(updated June 2023)

The dwellings on Groupie lots are designed to be a very sustainable small home with low ongoing living costs, suitable for someone with a lower asset base or income. 

>> Download Groupie Lot Eligibility Criteria

This Ecovillage Structure Plan Land Use Map shows the ‘Village Centre’ zoning and can be used to ascertain which lots are included within the 50m radius of a ‘Village Centre’ zone, a condition required under the Shire’s Local Planning Policy 7 - Short Stay Accommodation . This means that homes built on lots within this area would be able to be used as short stay accommodation with Shire approval.

>> Download Ecovillage Structure Plan – Land Use Map (November 2017)

Augusta-Margaret River Shire Planning Documents

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on the appropriate location, scale, use and management of short stay accommodation in the Shire. 

>> Download Local Planning Policy 7 – Short Stay Accommodation

“Ancillary Dwelling” (or Granny Flat) refers to the development of ancillary self-contained accommodation on the same lot as a single house.

>> Download Information Sheet – PS01 Ancillary Dwellings

This document (specifically pages 38-42) provides information relating to allowed land uses in the ‘Village Centre’ zone, e.g. what type of businesses can operate.

>> Download Local Planning Scheme No. 1

Ecovillage Site Information

Commercial Lot Design Review

For Commercial Precinct Building Design Guidelines pls email [email protected]

Agricultural Lot Design Review

Residential Design Review Process & Approvals

The Sustainable Building Design Guidelines is a key document that guides development at the Ecovillage to achieve sustainability and design outcomes. Please ensure that you thoroughly read this document and all relevant information below before starting the design review process. 

This document is a comprehensive record of all the changes to the design guidelines since it was first created and is for your information only.

The documents below are appendices to and should be read in conjunction with the Design Guidelines. 

This document outlines the Concept Design Review and Formal Assessment process that will result in a Letter of Design Compliance, which you will need to submit to the Shire alongside your Building Permit documentation.

The relevant checklists and templates can be found in Appendices H – O.

This checklist outlines all the concept design submission requirements and should be submitted at concept review stage with associated documentation.

This checklist outlines all the concept design submission requirements and should be submitted at concept review stage with associated documentation.

Please review your design against the Design Guidelines and confirm compliance against the various elements using this checklist.

Download Building Design Guidelines Checklist

These checklists will be used by the Shire planner to confirm your compliance with the relevant Local Development Plans and the R-codes provisions. The checklist identifies which elements of the R-codes are modified by the LDP and which still apply from the R-codes. Your builder / designer should go through the list and confirm that you are meeting the relevant standards.

This is required to be completed to confirm the water storage volume and roof catchment area proposed. For further information on how to complete this template please reference the WEV Residential Water Handbook (Appendix E).

This is required to be completed to confirm the your proposed solar panel size and placement, as well as the brands and energy efficiency of your major appliances. For further information on how to complete this template please reference the WEV Residential Energy Supply Handbook (Appendix D).

This is required to be completed to confirm the intended materials with which the building will be constructed.

All housing in the Ecovillage must meet the Silver Standard for accessibility in the Liveable Housing Design Guidelines. Complete the following checklist to confirm compliance with the Standard.

Additional Reference Information

Livable Housing Australia, which represents a unique partnership between community, business groups and government, is helping make homes easier to access, navigate and live in, as well more cost-effective to adapt when life’s circumstances change.

You need to undertake a lifecycle assessment of your proposed building, to ensure that it is meeting the carbon negative target we have set (you need to achieve -220kg CO2 per person pear year, see Section 9.2 in the Sustainable Building Design Guidelines). This target translates into -105% of the OECD average for a house of your size. 

  • Click here to learn more about lifecycle assessment and the required process.
  • When you are ready to start inputting your information, visit lifecycle.house to open up the software.
  • If you require assistance with the lifecycle assessment, please go to https://cerclos.com/contact/
    Here you can access the RapidLCA Help Centre or click “Contact Support”, enter your question/issue, and it will be sent directly to their Support team.