News from retired President, Ian Ross

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August 2023

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I am pleased to say that Cohousing Canberra is well and truly back!

 

After a hiatus and lots of engagement with new and existing members, we have a mixed-age community that is behind the Watson cohousing project. 

 

A series of design workshops have taken place to consolidate the community’s vision. Cohousing Canberra is on the verge of confirming a master design with our architects AMC for the Watson development.

 

We continue to work with the ACT Government’s Demonstration Housing Project team to make this a success. 

 

The Government has begun consulting on the wider estate development plan (Section 76) in North Watson which takes in the 5000 square metre cohousing block (on Aspinall Street, near the old Starlight Drive-in site in inner north Canberra).

 

After being at the helm of Cohousing Canberra the past year (while also progressing a smaller Stellulata Cohousing project in Ainslie), I am delighted to hand over the presidency to Caroline Le Couteur.

 

Caroline brings a wealth of experience across policy and processes, financial planning, public relations and community engagement.

 

I remain a Cohousing Canberra member committed to cohousing as a housing alternative in this city. After COVID and all the things we’ve been through, there is a growing sense of wanting to support each other in housing that combines private spaces with shared facilities and village life. 

 

It's not too late to get involved in the Watson project. Potential investors are urged to get in touch via our website to join the community.

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