TULJUN BOOLAROO COOPERATIVE

Eco Village

2011-07-10T09:32:00.002+10:00

While driving home Laura and I had a lot of time to talk and think, and the usual issues came up; Women, Kids, Socialization etc. And we came up with an idea. The idea is basically bits borrowed from other intentional communities that move in a direction similar toTuljun and based on some experiences I have had and some of the things I wish I had had.

The gist of it is trying to install a "starter culture", by a few of us getting together and builing several small dwellings etc. and also, importantly, building a decent sized communal permaculture garden, and then making the dwellings etc. avaliable for rent.

Some of the benefits of this could be;

Bringing people in who aren't "pioneer" types, as my brother put it, but have an interest in the final idea of the co operative, and may have a valuable role in a functioning co operative, but aren't the types that would adapt well to the more daunting task of starting off.

Bringing in new ideas and diversity

Providing a great space for some who for whatever reasons aren't prepared to commit to membership

Providing an example for some who may in the future become members

Bring cashflow into the co operative

Bring more women and kids (families)

Help provide food security and provide a model of what systems can work on the mountain

It would be a fantastic place for people who are musicians, artists etc. to bug out for a while and follow their muse without nasty interferrence from parts of society that cause a lot of worry (both Laura and I would have loved an opportunity like that).

It could also be a seed that starts off an attraction to international visitors and perhaps could lead into some kind of eco tourism?

If gobar gas and some sort of microgrid were incorporated, it could help provide the infrastructure for festival.

I personally know of a few different demographics to which this idea could be attractive.

There are also a few networks out there that could supply volunteers to help build a project like this, and share skills.

The rent could be fairly cheap couldn't it?

BBQ's, Meetings, Information Days.

2011-07-07T12:59:00.003+10:00

From time to time there are BBQ's so that interested parties and members can rub shoulders and offer the opportunity to get to know each other in a social atmosphere. Essentially this is where initial exchange of views and information begins as part of the process of gaining membership to Tuljun Boolaroo.

Next BBQ; TBA

Our AGM was held on Sunday 19 June 2011 at Hazeldean just outside of Mackay. Please note that these events are BYO food and beverage and Camping ground and fees of $10 per person over 12yo apply to cover hire of the facilities. Some cabins may be available.

If visiting the cooperative it would be an advantage for you to have a 40channel CB. As the forest pines are being harvested we will have to make arrangements as an escort will be necessary through the Queensland Forest's plantation. It can be a one day affair or if you have the gear and want to camp over that'd be excellent. . If you wish to come along let me know via the email bob@tuljun.com.

Tuljun, Aspiring To Be A Transitional Community.(click link)

2009-06-04T15:40:00.010+10:00

(Being that we state that we choose to belong to a lifestyle community based on environmental considerations we are obliged to walk the talk.

We are in a transitional period where the price of fuel and the carbon load are going to go up. The cost of Oil is going to begin to increase due to reduced availability and the carbon load is far too great due to our previous addiction to cheap fuels. Tuljun is trying to address these twin issues and others for our own community by being energy smart. In general we can only look after ourselves. This is not being selfish its being realistic. After all the more people that look after themselves the more we care for others(the invisible hand principle).

Kitchen Floor

2009-02-21T17:43:00.004+10:00

Using timber from a tree cleared from the building site ensures less waste, better utilization, and a degree of carbon retention for the next 50+ years. This is not the finished product as the timber will have to dry for several months before it is ready to be bedded in and grouted.

Employment, Self Sufficiency and Lifestyle (click link)

2008-09-23T10:37:00.011+10:00

The Issue of income earning capacity while still being on the property has been raised more than once and needs addressing. Truth to tell it may not be practical for everyone. Tuljun is a long way from the centres of commerce. Working in the Mining industry might be an option for some. Shifts operate on a 10 days on 4 days off system and quarters are provided on the mine site for their workers. Another option is to work and reside in the Whitsundays or Mackay and commute on weekends. Having our own Internal Trading System also acts as an adjunct to normal financial arrangements

Home industry and agricultural enterprises are also a possibility and are focal points of the cooperatives aspirations anyway.The real question is why be on a semi-remote property in the first place? Lifestyle and social benefits should come first place in ones considerations. Spacial separation from population centres has its advantages as does the serenity of living in a pristine setting.

Contemporary world events such as employment, financial, political and environmental issues have highlighted the need for self reliance. Genuine self reliance is not an intellectual exercise in an on and off, hot and cold series of non-commitments or talk fests; nor should it be based in a state of fear and negative attitude.

Tuljun is for positivists moving towards connection with a more organic way of life. It is contingent that families occupying Tuljun be able to provide for their own material welfare, for what may be an extended period without outside support. Simply put we have the option (if prepared) of living comfortably for weeks or months if necessary in the wake of some event that robs us of the means to obtain external material support. A home garden and chicken run are easy adjuncts. We would not be here today if not for our forebears prudence. A survivalist is simply someone who recognises that we should take personal responsibility for some of these systems.

Our positive view is that an Intentional Community living cooperatively, in both the material and social context, can enjoy an energised, more secure lifestyle and able to ride out any bumps that life deals out. So much for the material aspects. Finally a Socially, physically and psychologically engaged lifestyle is not such a bad option..

THE CLERK OF WORKS

2008-07-01T16:17:00.005+10:00

Natural building materials are available on site. If one is innovative there are many ways of building alternative style homes.

One of our many rock pools

2008-06-12T18:53:00.003+10:00

Home Schooling on Tuljun (click link)

2008-04-05T15:28:00.021+10:00

Several families have indicated that 'home schooling' for their children is their education preference. The systems mooted vary from using their own curriculum to taking advantage of 'School Of The Air'. School of the Air conducts classes from Charters Towers via the phone and Internet and provide the computers etc on a hire basis. Students have their own teachers and can communicate in Internet-group classes.

There are 2 or 3 school camps per year where students meet their cyber class mates and teachers in person. There are widely differing opinions on the possible outcomes. These centre around educational competitiveness in the greater community to socialisation issues. It is unclear as to what extent TBC should actively provide material and social support for these systems; Therefore some dialogue needs to be entered into.

Sites worth visiting are Queensland's Distance Education or Unschooling

Open Forum

2008-03-30T07:58:00.011+10:00

This page is for matters of day to day interest if you have a question or a comment on some subject not handled elsewhere in the blog. You may wish to refer to another string in the blog and attach your comments there. All comments are moderated so a little delay between commenting and seeing it on the site will be experienced.

Participation Rate

2008-03-29T15:13:00.009+10:00

Each MEMBER is required to be involved socially and/or materially in the operation of the cooperative. There is the need to support the Rural Fire and Emergency Services , Community Hall Construction and the Social functions of our group, cooperatively. If each person participates a couple of hours a fortnight things just happen naturally and a mutually supportive community is created. Some members due to circumstances are unable participate as above but support the principle through support of the community financially or administratively.

Power, Phone & Water (click link)

2008-03-29T15:02:00.013+10:00

The Federal Government's initative for rural solar power assistance has been suspended. Some areas are eligible for subsidised phone and broadband internet . Because of the unsustainability and cost of fossil-fuel-generated power viable alternatives are being encouraged. Storage for drinking-water is the responsibility of the share holder and a minimum of 60k litres is recomended per household.

Agriculture & Stock

2008-03-29T14:31:00.013+10:00

Fish, Poultry, Game, Orchards, Organic & Permaculture enterprises are most welcome. It is a proviso that such enterprises do not degrade the environment. For example broad-acre clearing or enterprises that upset the ecology of our soil or watercourses are not acceptable.

Tuljun is for positivists moving towards connection with Gaia. It is contingent that families occupying Tuljun be able to provide for their own material needs for what may be a very extended period without outside help. It's possible that access to and from Tuljun may become cut off for extended periods of time (eg cyclonic rains, road damage)and all residents will need to be prepared to get by in those times.