Narara Ecovillage

What Narara Ecovillage does

Narara Ecovillage is a master-planned intentional community on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, operating as a cooperative founded in 1996 by Lyndall Parris. The village comprises approximately 100 residential lots across two stages, of which roughly two-thirds are built out, with ~150 current residents (part of a total ~235-person community) and a planned final population of 110-120 homes. The cooperative is the sole member-owner of two regulated utility subsidiaries: NEV Power, which operates an ARENA-funded smart microgrid integrating rooftop solar with a 430 kWh ABB Hitachi community battery and exports surplus power via Ausgrid to the national grid; and NEV Water, which holds the first community-owned water utility license in NSW under the Water Industry Competition Act and provides potable, sewer, and recycled water services.

The business model is hybrid: one-time lot sales at $415K-$850K per lot form the primary capital intake, while recurring revenue derives from utility fees (water, embedded electricity network), NEV Power grid exports at spot market rates via Local Volts, an EV car-share subscription scheme ($105/month), short-stay accommodation (Paperbark House lodge, Zen House tiny house, Narara Retreat apartment), the Neville Coffee Cart café, and the Ecovillage Pantry bulk-food social enterprise. GTM is direct-to-consumer and event-driven, anchored by monthly Open Day tours ($20/adult) plus a $20/year NELN associate membership that drives top-of-funnel awareness. Pricing for lots is publicly listed, while accommodation, EV charging (35c/kW peak, 95c/kW off-peak), and utility services are charged on usage-based or subscription billing cadences. Mandatory 7.5+ star NatHERS energy ratings on all homes, ARENA/NSW Government grants, and Sociocracy cooperative governance form the structural and regulatory backbone.

Strategically, the entity is in build-out mode: recent moves include Stage 2 subdivision completion (2025), NSW Government EV charging grant (2024), public DC charger development, BYD Atto 1 added to the car-share fleet (Feb 2026), a November 2024 Board leadership transition, and the publication of a 2024 Carbon Census Report documenting a 40.6% emissions reduction versus the average Central Coast household. The organization is governed as a cooperative under Sociocracy principles with no external private equity or venture capital ownership, and is affiliated with the Global Ecovillage Network (as an ambassador site), the Co-operative Federation of NSW, and Central Coast Council for water infrastructure integration.

Name

Narara Ecovillage

Legal name

Narara Ecovillage Co-operative

Website

https://nararaecovillage.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Narara Ecovillage is an Australian cooperative operating a ~100-lot master-planned sustainable community on the NSW Central Coast, serving ~150 residents through land sales ($415K-$850K), community-owned utilities (NEV Power microgrid and battery, NEV Water), EV car-share, accommodation, and supporting retail.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainable Residential Community

NAICS

Real Estate Property Managers (53131), Lessors of Real Estate (5311)

SIC

Real Estate Operators (No Developers) & Lessors (6510)

akta.pro primary industry

Master-Planned Community & POA Management (BPAJAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mixed-Use Community Association Management (BPAJAHAF), HOA / Condominium Association Management (BPAJAFAH), Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) / Municipal Aggregation Retail Supply (EUAGABAF)

Keywords

• Sustainable residential community
• Community-owned microgrid
• Intentional community development
• Renewable energy community
• Cooperative housing development

Headquarters

HQ city

Narara

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Property Sales (Land and Homes): Sale of land lots and completed sustainable homes within the ecovillage; Land prices range from $415,000 to $850,000; Houses include various sustainable designs (Earthships, hemp houses, hobbit houses)
2. NEV Power Energy Services: NEV Power sells excess solar power to the national grid through Local Volts energy provider at spot market rates; Generates revenue from surplus power exports of over 1,000 kWh/day
3. NEV Water Utility Services: Provides potable water, sewer and non-potable water services to residents with agreement with Central Coast Council
4. EV Vehicle Share Scheme: Electric vehicle sharing program for members at $105/month; Fleet includes Atto 1, Dolphin, Outlander PHEV, and 'Fridge' minibus
5. Village Pantry Retail: Organic and ethically sourced bulk food products; Operates as social enterprise with annual membership option ($10 discount); Open Saturday morning, Monday night and Wednesday afternoon
6. Accommodation Services: Paperbark House lodge accommodation (5 bedrooms), Zen Tiny House eco-tourism via AirBnB/StayWild, and Narara Retreat 2-bedroom apartment; Generates revenue from overnight stays

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Narara Ecovillage is a master-planned intentional community on the Central Coast NSW, Australia, that sells sustainable residential land lots and provides member-owned utility services (NEV Power microgrid, NEV Water utility), a shared electric vehicle fleet, eco-tourism accommodation, cafe, and bulk food pantry, all operated under a cooperative governance structure. The community combines real estate sales with vertically integrated utility, mobility, retail, and hospitality offerings for residents and visitors.

Product overview

Narara Ecovillage is a master-planned intentional community on the Central Coast NSW, Australia, offering sustainable residential living through its core platform of land development and community utilities. The primary products include: (1) NEV Power - the community-owned microgrid and energy retailer operating the village's solar infrastructure with a 430kWh community battery; (2) NEV Water - the licensed water utility managing potable, recycled, and sewage services; (3) Sustainable Land/Lots for residential development with mandatory 7.5+ star energy efficiency standards; and (4) EV Car-Share - a vehicle-sharing fleet of electric vehicles charged from community solar. Supporting modules include public EV charging infrastructure on the Exploren network, short-term accommodation offerings (Paperbark House lodge, Zen House tiny house, Narara Retreat), Neville Coffee Cart cafe, and the Ecovillage Pantry bulk food store. The CL@N program extends accessibility through collaborative/shared ownership models. The community operates under Sociocracy governance and is currently two-thirds through building, with approximately 110-120 homes planned upon completion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NEV Power: Wholly owned subsidiary providing microgrid, solar power, and community battery services to the ecovillage. R2 exempt embedded energy network and retailer operating under Australian Energy Regulator regulations.
• NEV Water
• Paperbark House
• Neville Coffee Cart
• Ecovillage Pantry
• Zen House
• Narara Retreat

Products and services

• Sustainable Land/Lots for Sale Residential land lots available for purchase within the ecovillage where members build sustainable homes meeting minimum 7.5 star NatHERS energy efficiency standards. Stage 2 comprises approximately 40 lots with various configurations including standard lots, CL@N shared ownership options, and duplex opportunities. Land prices range from $415,000 to $850,000.
• NEV Power (Microgrid & Energy Retail) Community-owned subsidiary operating the village microgrid with rooftop solar panels and a 430 kWh community battery (BESS), connected to the wider grid via Ausgrid. R2 exempt embedded energy network and retailer operating under Australian Energy Regulator regulations. Exports surplus solar power to the national grid through Local Volts at spot market rates.
• NEV Water (Water Utility Services) Licensed community water utility providing potable water, sewer, and non-potable water (for toilet flushing and garden irrigation) services to residents. Operates under NSW Water Industry Competition Act legislation with connection to Central Coast Council infrastructure.
• EV Car-Share Scheme Subscription-based vehicle sharing program offering members access to electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids including BYD Atto 1, BYD Dolphin, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and an 8-seater Mercedes eVito minibus. Vehicles are charged from solar panels and the community battery. Membership starts from $105/month for Ecovillage Members and Affiliates.
• Public EV Charging Stations Three public 22kW Type 2 AC charging points available to visitors on the Exploren network, funded by NSW Government grants. Time-based pricing: 35c/kW from 8am-5pm and 95c/kW after hours. A DC charger is being developed at up to 25kW.
• Paperbark House Accommodation Lodge-style accommodation offering 5 large bedrooms (named after local birds) with private bathrooms, communal kitchen, dining area, and lounge opening to a sunny deck. Special rates available for residential workshops or group bookings up to 15 guests.
• Zen House Tiny House Eco-Tourism Secluded eco-tourism tiny house accommodation overlooking the 45 megalitre forest dam. Spacious 5m tiny house with 5m deck comprising loft double bed and double sofa bed (sleeps 4), featuring artisanal design and private deck with rainforest and water views.
• Narara Retreat (2 Bedroom Apartment) Peaceful two-bedroom apartment retreat with beautiful valley views and secluded garden patio. Features 1 queen and 2 single beds, cozy living/dining area, kitchenette, and bathroom. Mid-week rate $180/night, weekend rate $220/night plus $70 cleaning fee. Minimum 2-night stay.
• Neville Coffee Cart Waste-free, locally sourced cafe serving quality coffee, lunch, and treats. Everything is made from scratch reflecting commitment to community and sustainability. Open Tuesday through Saturday mornings 8:30am-2pm.
• Ecovillage Pantry (Bulk Food Store) Organic and ethically sourced bulk food store operating as a social enterprise. Offers products for gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and low-sugar diets, plus locally sourced products, fresh produce from community gardens, and bulk household essentials. Annual membership option provides 10% discount. Open Saturday morning, Monday night, and Wednesday afternoon.
• NELN Associate Membership Not-for-profit educational and outreach body membership at $20/year, providing free admission to all Open Days and access to monthly newsletter. Tax-deductible donations accepted. Promotes sustainable living in all its forms.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40.6% less carbon emissions than average Central Coast household
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Local VoltscoreTechnology or IntegrationNEV Power's energy provider; Provides access to the energy spot market allowing ecovillage to sell excess power at ruling spot market rate; Contract enables revenue stream from surplus power
• Central Coast CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNEV Water has agreement with Central Coast Council for potable water supply connection; Agreement allows for discharge of waste water into their sewer system
• GreenFleetminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralian certified carbon offset provider recommended for flight offsetting; Tax deductible donations supporting reforestation
• ExplorencoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublic EV charging network hosting ecovillage's 3 charging points (NSW Government grant funded); Chargers available on PlugShare and Google Maps
• Gen (Global Ecovillage Network)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational network of ecovillages; Narara Ecovillage is an ambassador site; Contributed to founding of GEN
• Co-operative Federation of NSWminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNarara Ecovillage operates as a cooperative; Affiliated with Co-operative Federation for cooperative governance support
• AusgridcoreTechnology or IntegrationNEV Power has high voltage connection to national grid through Ausgrid; Ausgrid approved maximum inverter capacity/export limit of 999 kVA for NEV Power grid connection

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@nararaecovillage
• Facebookfacebook.com/thenararaecovillage
• Instagraminstagram.com/narara.ecovillage
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/narara-ecovillage

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Narara Ecovillage