Eco-development to reinvigorate tourist town

After more than two years of planning, an eco-development is on the cards for the tourist hotspot of Eumundi in Queensland, with development applications set to be submitted to Sunshine Coast Council within the next week.

The eco-accredited business hub, Our Village Eumundi, is the combined vision of Louis and Janet Formosa and their two daughters, Jenny and Louise, who are the long-term owners and operators of Eumundi Parkside and Eumundi Square. Louise said the hub will incorporate environmental best practice standards such as the OSCA waste composting system, underground water storage and permaculture features.

“We are setting some ambitious but achievable sustainability targets, including operating off the grid within 10 years as a result of solar energy,” said Louise.

“We also intend to reduce mains water usage by 25% in five years and are working towards having Stage One of Our Village depositing just 10% of its waste into landfill within this time frame.”

Working with architect Jolyon Robinson and landscape designer James Birrell Design Lab, Louise sees the development as a social focal point for the town connecting the community and engaging them both culturally and environmentally.

“Stage One of Our Village Eumundi concentrates on reinvigorating an existing building, taking care that the development is sympathetic to the natural topography of the site and the heritage of the existing buildings and corridor,” she said.

“The development incorporates a social ‘piazza’ area where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a coffee, buy their locally sourced and organic produce, visit complementary businesses such as professional advisors and health and wellbeing practitioners or simply enjoy some ‘upcycled’ retail therapy.

“Environmental values really are at the heart of this development, and we’re dedicated to preserving the Eumundi way of life and catering for local needs while raising the bar in ecotourism,” said Louise.

Pictured: Concept art for Our Village Eumundi.