Tanks mark the start of group’s plans for new hub

A new community sustainable hub overlooking Boston Bay is officially under way, with the installation of 2 water tanks marking the start of a new community resource for the Eyre Peninsula.

Supported through SA Water’s Community Partnerships Program, the Eyre Bioregional Permaculture Group’s initiative signals a long-term commitment to the region’s water resilience education.

The group secured a $10,000 boost through the program to help establish the Eyre Permaculture and Environment Centre, with plans now progressing in a new chapter for community education and resource resilience in the region.

The project, situated on a 1.12-hectare site donated by local builder Kym Clarke, will serve as a living demonstration of permaculture systems, environmental rehabilitation, renewable energy, and innovative water management.

SA Water’s Manager of Brand and Community Connection Kellie McDonald said the partnership is a natural extension of the work SA Water does to ensure sustainable water use across South Australia.

“Our work is about more than just pipes and pumps, it’s about fostering a sustainable water future by connecting with the communities we serve,” Kellie said.

“This project is a fantastic example of water-sensitive design in action. By helping to enable the installation of these first 2 water tanks, we are supporting a site that teaches the community how to capture and use every drop, either from the landscape or the rooftops, to ensure a more resilient future for the Eyre Peninsula.”

Eyre Bioregional Permaculture Group chair Des Menz said SA Water’s sponsorship represents the “first external contribution” to the site and is foundational to the broader environmental goals planned for the site.

“What we plan on doing here is to introduce many aspects about permaculture and the environment for the community,” Des said.

“It is about water sensitivity, water use, and water use efficiency. Not only will we try and capture water from the landscape itself, but we will also capture it from the roofs. We are grateful to SA Water for their support in getting the project under way.”

The stored water will be used within the main building at the centre, and include support for irrigation of community garden plots, orchard, trellised vines, native plants, nursery propagation, and composting systems.

The techniques used at the site, from microscale gardening to broadacre environmental sustainability, are designed to be transferred and shared to help the wider community achieve their own sustainability goals.