1. What is an Ecovillage?

An Ecovillage is an intentional community designed to create a sustainable and ecological way of living. It emphasizes self-sufficiency and reducing the environmental impact of human activities.

2. What is an Agrihood?

An Agrihood is a residential development centered around agriculture, fostering a sense of community among neighbours, and promoting environmental stewardship through a connection to nature and regenerative food supply.

3. What is the vision of the FNQ Agrihood?

The vision of the FNQ Agrihood is to create a regenerative, self-reliant residential community that protects the environment while generating economic and social opportunities.

4. What is the mission of the FNQ Agrihood?

The mission is to go beyond sustainability and foster a regenerative community that harmonizes ecological living with organic agribusiness.

5. Where is the FNQ Agrihood located?

The FNQ Agrihood will be located in Far North Queensland (FNQ), a region renowned for its tropical ambiance and diverse microclimates.

6. What makes Far North Queensland an ideal location for the FNQ Agrihood?

FNQ's unique tropical climate, fertile soil, and proximity to key amenities like Cairns, Mareeba and Port Douglas make it an ideal location for sustainable agricultural and community development.

7. What types of crops are grown in the FNQ Agrihood?

The FNQ Agrihood will grow a wide variety of crops, including Mango, Pineapple, Papaya, Macadamia, Banana, Avocado, Lychee, Guava, and more.

8. What sustainable practices are implemented in the FNQ Agrihood?

The FNQ Agrihood will implement regenerative agriculture, syntropic farming, and innovative land restoration techniques to build soil health and enhance biodiversity.

9. What living options are available in the FNQ Agrihood?

The FNQ Agrihood will offer various living options to suit all budgets, including townhouses, 1/4 acre lots, 1-acre lots, and 5-acre lots.

10. How does the FNQ Agrihood ensure energy efficiency in its housing?

Housing construction in the FNQ Agrihood requires a minimum NatHERS Nationwide Housing Energy Rating of 8, passive solar design principles, and the inclusion of solar and water capture systems.

11. What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in the FNQ Agrihood?

CSA in the FNQ Agrihood will connect farmers directly with consumers, allowing residents and subscribers to buy seasonal or annual shares in the locally grown produce, fostering a mutual support system, reducing the middleman, benefiting the farmer and consumer.

12. What amenities will be available to residents of the FNQ Agrihood?

The Master Plan for the Agrihood includes a café, shops, a town hall, meeting rooms, an innovation hub, a nature playground, a gym, a pool, tennis courts, and more.

13. How does the FNQ Agrihood support senior living?

The FNQ Agrihood will provide green spaces, vibrant community interaction, access to wholesome produce, and opportunities for seniors to share their knowledge, ensuring they age gracefully in a supportive environment. Many farmer retirees in the area would like an alternative to high density assisted living.

The Agrihood will include a blended residential component whereby retirees will feel supported, whilst still connected to the land.

14. What short-term accommodation options are available in the FNQ Agrihood?

The FNQ Agrihood plans to offer short-term accommodation options such as a small caravan park, and a designated space for tiny homes.

15. What innovative technologies are being used in the FNQ Agrihood?

The FNQ Agrihood will integrate smart agriculture technologies, AI, precision farming techniques, and innovative water and waste management systems while maintaining a holistic approach to land stewardship.

16. How does the FNQ Agrihood manage water and waste?

All homes will have a minimum 100,000L water storage requirement. Wastewater will be treated using ecologically friendly aerobic bacterial technology and will be reused for irrigation in farming.

17. What are the expected timelines for the development of the FNQ Agrihood?

Negotiations with land holders and council are on going. We are anticipating lodging a Development Application early 2025

18. How does the FNQ Agrihood promote community participation?

Residents have the freedom to engage in agricultural activities at any level they choose, whether cultivating crops or simply enjoying fresh produce. A cafe with a small retail area, gardens, playgrounds and sports grounds will be the cornerstone for community interaction.

19. What types of organic farming operations are planned for the FNQ Agrihood?

Planned operations include a tropical fruit orchard, horticultural operation, egg production, goat dairy, aquaponics, mushroom cultivation, and a nursery.

20. What partnerships and collaborations are involved in the FNQ Agrihood?

The FNQ Agrihood is currently formalising some exciting partnerships, watch this space.

21. How is ownership and governance structured in the FNQ Agrihood?

Residential land and dwellings will be of freehold title. Residents will be part of a Queensland community titles scheme, managed by a Non-Profit ‘Agrihood Commons Company’ Residents will automatically have membership and voting rights as part of the ‘Agrihood Commons Company’

22. What is the Regenerative Agriculture Covenant in the FNQ Agrihood?

The Regenerative Agriculture Covenant commits the community to building soil health, land restoration, and implementing innovative farming techniques such as Food Forests and Syntropic Farming.

23. What affordable housing options are available in the FNQ Agrihood?

The FNQ Agrihood will include smaller home sites and townhouse lots designed to be highly sustainable and affordable, with means-tested access available.

24. What employment opportunities are available in the FNQ Agrihood?

Employment opportunities will be available in organic farming operations, agritourism, agri-education, hospitality, retail, and within the amenities such as cafés, shops, and the innovation hub.

25. How does the FNQ Agrihood contribute to agritourism?

The FNQ Agrihood promotes agritourism by offering learning experiences in agriculture, such as cooking classes, farm tours, and wellness retreats, enhancing both community engagement and economic growth.

26. What is the significance of the ‘Paddock to Plate’ concept in the FNQ Agrihood?

‘Paddock to Plate’ emphasizes the journey of food from farm to table, connecting consumers directly with the source of their food, and fostering a deep appreciation for local agriculture.

27. What role does the FNQ Agrihood play in organic farming in Australia?

The FNQ Agrihood will be part of the growing Australian Organic industry, which contributes significantly to the economy and is on track to be worth $18 billion by 2030.

28. What amenities are planned for recreational activities in the FNQ Agrihood?

Planned recreational amenities include a community orchard, outdoor amphitheater, wellness clinic, edible landscapes, and mixed sports oval.

29. How is the FNQ Agrihood addressing energy needs?

Every home in the FNQ Agrihood will be equipped with solar panels, with additional investigations into the feasibility of a microgrid and battery storage for enhanced energy resilience.

30. How can one follow the development and updates of the FNQ Agrihood?

You can follow the FNQ Agrihood on social media for updates and developments:

Instagram: @agrihood_au

Facebook: agrihood FNQ

These FAQs and answers provide a thorough understanding of the FNQ Agrihood, covering aspects from sustainable living to community engagement and development timelines.