Drylands Permaculture

Since 1989, Julie Firth and many friends and volunteers have shared in the vision to demonstrate the potential of 'Permaculture'. A practical design system for creating sustainable human cultures and economies founded upon ecological principles and an ethic of personal responsibility to make it happen.

We chose to make this vision a reality in our own semi-arid 'mediterranean' climate with it's hot summer temperatures reaching above 40°C, relentless winds that gust to 30km/h, 'water repellant' poor sandy soils and an annual rainfall of 450mm that falls mostly in mild winter months.

To be successful here where flaws in our techniques would be quickly exposed to the reality of our climate, we knew we would be contributing much needed working knowledge of Permaculture and improve the livelihood of other dryland communities.

After many years of hard work, research and refined Permaculture design, we have proudly managed to transform our once degraded three hectare semi-rual property 11km north of the port town of Geraldton, into a productive, thriving abode of people, plants and animals.