North Arm Cove Initiative
”Marion & Walter” Circular Economy Living Lab (MW-CELL)

Initiative for preserving and sustainably developing part of the unique Australian urban heritage.
Building sustainable, resilient community for 21st century.
More than 3000 lots on the urban layout planned by Walter Burley Griffin in 1918
In collaboration with community of North Arm Cove land owners and their association NACRPA

From our Constitution:

Primary activities of the co-operative are:

Facilitating collaborative activities in enabling and directing planning, development and governance of historic subdivision of North Arm Cove (NAC) based on:

• Circular Economy principles,

• Collaboration between community, industry and research

• Community participation through “citizens jury/assembly” process

Main tasks are:

• Enabling and directing creation of Development Plan (Master Plan) for sustainable community at NAC

• Enabling and directing development of infrastructure and communal assets under control by co-operative

• Ensuring effective governance of historic subdivision of North Arm Cove

North Arm Cove Initiative - Facebook Page

Quick Introduction

Media

NBN TV Newcastle: Port Stephens residents fight to bring abandoned city plans to life

Sydney Morning Herald: “The fight to revive Walter Burley Griffin’s lost city”

ABC Newcastle Radio: Saturday Breakfast Sat, 11 May 2024

ABC Sydney Radio: Afternoons Broadcast Tue 28 Feb 2023

Architecture & Design: Designing a city influenced by 20th century vision

The beginnings

The Worimi people are traditional custodians of the land of Port Stephens Area, with a rich cultural heritage and history that stretches back thousands of years, the Worimi people have been stewards of the land and marine environment, which they consider sacred. The community is known for its unique language, customs and traditions, which have been passed down orally from generation to generation. Today, the Worimi people are committed to preserving their cultural heritage, while also working towards sustainable economic development and social justice for their community. The Worimi people continue to share their knowledge, art and stories with the wider community, celebrating their cultural identity, and preserving the legacy of their ancestors.

The first Australian Agriculture Company was formed by an Act of the British Parliament and incorporated by royal charter on 1 November 1824 for the cultivation and improvement of waste lands in the colony of New South Wales. In 1826 its headquarter was established with in Port Stephens village of Carrington. The company's operations in Port Stephens included wheat cultivation, cattle and sheep farming, and timber harvesting. The company was also involved in developing the infrastructure of the Port Stephens area, building roads and wharves for transportation and storage of goods. The Australian Agriculture Company played an important role in the growth and development of the Australian agricultural industry, and its impact is still seen today in the thriving rural communities in the Port Stephens region.

- LEARN MORE about North Arm Cove history
- LEARN MORE about Griffins’ planning vision

Original subdivision with over 100ha of proposed open space, in addition to long coastline and wide boulevards lined by trees.

Location map of North Arm Cove from the Hunter Regional Plan 2041. Map clearly indicate that NAC is surrounded by large areas of natural conservation and that adding further 7.5 square kilometers of NAC land to Environmental Protection would have no significant benefits.

Current situation in “non-urban” area is that reflecting neglect of past few decades. Area is used for dumping rubbish, including asbestos, clearing of land and poaching timber for firewood.

We need to learn to do things differently

Building of a New Model

Innovation Urban Precinct, Living Lab, Sustainability Research Centre (SRCe)

Our research into cost-effective, sustainable options for development of historic subdivision of North Arm Cove was awarded international recognition - SEEDS Conference 2022, Bristol, UK.

At the end of April 2023, Council has put to public exhibition a Draft LEP for the whole LGA. Draft LEP has had amended proposed a downzoning (reduced land use and value) for Paper Subdivisions around Port Stephens,from C3-Environmental Management to C4-Environmental Living on request from State Government. Minimum lot size is reduced to 5ha assuring “low-impact” residential living in absence of additional infrastructure. Also, as a response to Hunter Regional Plan 2041 Planning Priority 6, proposed is a pathway to achieving different uses and reduced minimum lot size through preparation of a Master Plan/Development Control Plan.

C4 Environmental Living objectives

To provide for low-impact residential development in areas with special ecological, scientific or aesthetic values.
To ensure that residential development does not have an adverse effect on those values

PROJECT FOR A LIVING LAB IN NORTH ARM COVE

Scope, Outcomes, Program
Circular Economy’s alternative for Planning and Design

Measurable outcomes on three basic bottom lines - Social, Environmental and Economic. And two additional Innovation and Aesthetic.

Case study project for preserving and developing part of Australian unique urban heritage. Building sustainable, resilient community for 21st century. More than 3000 lots on the urban layout planned by Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin in 1918

SRCe - “Marion & Walter” Living Lab

The hart of regenerative community

Analysis - Constraints & Opportunities

Our Team