Hume City Council approves net-zero community by Green Communities

Well, it's not too far away since Green Communities received the green light from Hume City Council to build Australia's first net zero community in Sunbury at a cost of $108 million.

Green Communities will build 196 retirement lifestyle village houses at its first development at 730 Sunbury Rd, Sunbury, as it aims to reduce the cost of living by offering low ingoing, ongoing charges with no outgoing or exit fees.

Managing director of Sustainable Design Build Manage Sunil Kumar said it is situated south side of Goonawarra Golf course.

"Green Communities believes that luxury living does not have to cost the earth," he said.

"We will be constructing a state of art multi-million dollar clubhouse in its development with choices of one-, two- and three-bedroom modern energy-efficient houses with 7 to 8 Star energy ratings.

"The excellent location boosts choice of two town centres, two wineries and two club houses within 2km."

Mr Kumar said a people-centered philosophy of development is emphasised in the Green Communities' proposals by keeping senior's needs at the centre of design and development which meets their present and future needs.

"The concerns of seniors to live in ever rising gas, electricity, petrol and other costs is addressed by its residents paying no stamp duty, council rates, no gas or electricity charges, free use of electric cars, bikes and golf carts and bulk buying of services" he said.

"It incorporates community solar microgrid, which is shared by its residents bringing down cost of energy use to zero.

"Traditional retirement communities have typically been built on the outskirts of town, leaving residents dependent on cars. Residents will have easy walkable or free golf car access to the golf green. Australia's first 100 per cent renewable energy-based green retirement communities with no carbon emissions will satisfy the needs of both climate change believers and non- believers by offering zero energy bills for its residents."

Greens Communities is offering a land lease model, where you own the house but pay rent on the land it sits on.

This allows its residents to lower the in-going cost of purchasing and stamp duty payments, lowers the ongoing cost by claiming rent assistance, paying no council or water rates or electricity and gas bills. Like other communities, Sunbury Green does not deduct deferred management fees and keep all capital gains.

The cost ranges from $419,000 to $650,000 for the 7 star energy efficient houses with no energy bills.

For more information, reservations and inquiries, contact sk@greencommunities.com.au or call 0403-170-099.