Sustainable Nimbin Community Plan

Context: In 2019, the creeks ran dry, the trees lost most of their leaves, and we faced down the Mt Nardi bushfire. It was clear that we can no longer take water security for granted, and so we are adding this new Focus Area to the Plan.

• Note: Please note the extended time - since we are starting from scratch.
• 10:30am - 3:30pm (Including lunch)

What is the SNCP? 

The Sustainable Nimbin Community Plan (SNCP) was first developed by the Nimbin community in 2009, and incorporated many of the goals and strategies from previous plans developed by Nimbinites since the 70s. It has been revised and updated by the community twice since, with the current version expiring in 2021. Around 800 Nimbinites have been involved in the development and implementation of the SNCP to date. COVID, then the 2022 floods and the many subsequent consultations by Council and others have prevented the community from coming back together to revise the SNCP - until now.

Who owns the SNCP?

The SNCP is our community’s own plan and the focus has always been on what we the community can do for ourselves to shape our community and bring our visions into fruition. It has won Awards and has attracted funding and support to many community projects and activities.

Most importantly, it builds on our proud DIY history and has enabled us to maintain focus and work together towards collective goals that we as a community identify as being important.

What has been achieved under the SNCP?

The first community-owned solar farm in Australia, the Nimbin Farmers’ Markets, the Nimbin Food Co-op, 7 Sibley Street, the Rainbow Road Walking Track, the acclaimed Nimbin Community Disaster Plan and much, much more has been achieved under the SNCP.

What is the format of the SNCP?

The SNCP currently consists of 9 Key Focus Areas: Arts and Culture, Economic Development, Energy, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Food & Farming Security, Health and Wellbeing, Housing and the Built Environment, Social & Political, Transport - with sustainability and climate change mitigation underpinning the whole Plan. Each Focus Area has an overall Key Result/Vision (see above graphic) which the community has broken down into Goals and strategies for working towards those Goals.