FOUR trees recognise key players in a sustainable village development at Kew.
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Corkwood trees planted for the late Ian Bailey, as well as Annie Georgeson and Elaine van Kempen, stand near a tree planted earlier in honour of the late Eric Rolls.
The tree site will become an interpretive area for the project.
Ms Georgeson and Mr Bailey had the vision for the sustainable village as an educative project, and Ms van Kempen and Mr Rolls were keen supporters of the project.
The Chimneys sustainable village will feature 66-lots of various sizes, with each home opening on to community land.
A community centre will be a focal point of the village which will demonstrate environmental, architectural, social and economic sustainability.
The project takes its name from two heritage listed chimneys, the remnants of timber mill workers’ cottages, which will be preserved.
Ms Georgeson said the world’s best practice project was big enough to be a model for any size development.
“We are trying to change the paradigm of residential development for the mainstream market,” she said.
Future residents have started to reserve lots and final negotiations are underway with an investor.
A group of friends gathered on Wednesday as former Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott planted the trees.
He told the group that the success was in the trying.
“The story of the four trees, the people behind the four trees, and just the concept behind the whole development and the history of this property, I think is success in itself,” he said.
“I certainly wish you well in future endeavours with all the success that you have already gained.”
Ms Georgeson said the sustainable community would be a wonderful legacy on Ian’s family land.
An educational trust will be established with students to spend time at the village.
The late Mr Rolls was the patron.
Ms Georgeson announced the social researcher, Hugh Mackay, will be the new patron.