Thread: starting from scratch on a rural block

g'day all, im glad a few comments of mine, have encoraged some sprited opions, as derekh said it helps the exchange of ideas, the water mangement books you recomended, will come in handy when planing my dam, untill then i'll just catch what comes of the roof of the shed. lignin the busted water melon comment got a few laughs at our place, ive been to a few clearing sales, and come away scrating my head at the prices they paid. we'll catch up soon too see what you've done on you slice of heaven. horsecroft your place sounds great, your Italian sports car will be right at home!
has anyone recently had the power connected, as stated previously energy aust, have said i'll need an 11kv substation/transformer + 250mtrs of cable, a level 3 electrician to design it, and where it runs. i can just see the dollars ticking over. solar just not an option, purely on cost basis.
jason

Originally Posted by jasons673

has anyone recently had the power connected, as stated previously energy aust, have said i'll need an 11kv substation/transformer + 250mtrs of cable, a level 3 electrician to design it, and where it runs. i can just see the dollars ticking over. solar just not an option, purely on cost basis.

You may find solar is quite competitive. I wanted to get 3 phase power extended to our place - it currently has split phase connected. Cost was in the region of $65 000 (from memory). The power needed to come about 1.5km from the closest point to us - I don't think any extra poles, etc where required (they are already there).

Hey Jason, thanks mate it is but I am not kidding myself in knowing that I too have both much to learn, as a "townie", and much work to do, not only in restoring the house and barn but as well to bring the land back to life. The POs didnt do much towards the end of their ownership (they were in their mid 80's) and the farmer has farmed the land around our property to death with sheep.

Over summer the paddocks are bare (overgrazed), which in my mind is poor land management, and there are no shelter belts. So in getting his sheep off my land, I will be doing all I can to capture and use water in a sustainable manner, to bring the soil fertility back, and plant trees for wind breaks etc. Given that the long term plans also include possibly growing olives, all of these things seem sensible to me.

I also have a lot of dry stone walls to repair and install, so a lot of hardwork ahead.

Yep you are correct that at least I do have some good country roads to occasionally take the metal mistresses out for an Italian tuneup.

Anyway, the power is on so that is good, but I may look into solar for at least hot water since the old cylinder is on its last legs. Good luck with your project, it sounds like you have much to consider and work on. Dave

For a new rural landholder the magazine below may have some useful tips.

http://www.smallfarms.net/

Greetings

I have owned my bush block 100 acres near Goulburn for about 7 years.

Firstly do not be obssesed with having everything built and up and running tomorrow. Hmm one neighbour has built quickly and made a few mistakes

Enjoy the process and as you spend more time building, researching and talking, your thoughts and ideas will evolve and you will have a better understanding what will really suits your needs.

The size of the shed you are thinking is very big, if intending to live in the shed would maybe go a little smaller, as they are very high and heating and dividing the shed would be difficult / expensive.

I have my shed all lined and insulated, very cosy in winter, I stay in one half.

As to how far the house from the shed or shed from the house, one neighbour has about 150 metres another has 15 metres; too far its a pain to get something from the shed.

My house [waiting for the plans to be finished] will be very quiet inside and firing up the table saw or angle grinder in the shed and unlikely to hear it from 15 metres away in the house

I want room for cars and trailer in front of the shed.

Built my shed 12m*7m 4m high, and it was a big job for one, hmm that would be one task I would think of getting some professionals maybe next time.

Power 250m is not a problem and for the shed I wanted mains power.

Dams are heavily regulated.

The council should be able to give you some information on many questions.

Some good magazines.

Enjoy

Pulpo