Sustainabilty.
The property has given many opportunities for sustainable living which
include.
- Solar Power system
- Large water tank capacity on all buildings affording good
supply throughout recent dry years.
- 6 Dams.
- Firewood supply on the block.
- Two vegetable garden areas which have been most productive
when in use.
Solar Power.
A 48V/240VAC system provides most of the power needs dependent on
usage. A 4kilowatt Inverter comfortably drives all normal household
appliances. Additional power can be added with a 7.5KVA Honda electric
start Genset and 40 Amp charger. 18 solar panels give a nominal 1.3
Kilowatts of power on the roof.
Water.
The house is fitted with 2 x 2500 gallon tanks and 1 x 5000 gallon
tank. Theses are filled from the house and adjacent power shed roof,
providing a large collection area. Water is transferrd up to a 2000
litre header tank on the tank stand with a small electric transfer pump.
This provides pressure to the house. The kitchen tap is fitted with a 5
micron filter which can be changed out every few months
Valves are fitted to select which of the tanks supply the header tank.
The two smaller tanks can also be transferred to the 5000 gallon tank ,
normall used as a reserve tank.
The Cottage and studio are fitted with Grundfos electric pressure
pumps. Both have 10,000 gallons of storage which is substantial given
the intermittent use of the buildings. This forms additional reserve
water for the house if needed.
A network of under ground poly pipe rings the property. This feeds from
the 10,000 gallon concrete tank on the Hill supplying a number of
garden taps around the property and also the toilets on all buildings.
The hill tank can be filled from the back dam which is the largest and
also from house tanks during heavy rains to avoid overflow &
wastage.
Dams.
There are 6 dams on the property. All are connected by an underground
network of poly pipe. Most of this is not in use however. The largest
dam is at the rear of the block and can be pumped to the Hill Tanks.
Firewood Supply.
A good supply is cut & stacked from a program of clearing
adjacent to the house to provide light, open space and bushfire
protectiion.
Vegetable Gardens.
Two areas have been used over the years to provide a wide range of
food. Nothing is growing at present, photos below show what has been
achieved. No chemicals have been used in the beds, only natural or
organic fertilisers and mulches. One of the vegetable gardens is fully
enclosed to keep out inquisitive wildlife.
