Energy, water and municipal fees on the French island do not use the grid

Some island properties off the coast of Victoria offer an opportunity to live unaffected by local government, energy bills and pandemics.

But you need to be prepared to wait for a sunny day to start your vacuum cleaner.

The lifestyle address on the French island of Westport Bay near Phillip Island is far away from the grid, and even municipal fees can’t find you.

Phil Bock, director of Century 21 Home Port, said that 70% of the island’s land is zoned as a park. It is mainly operated by Victoria Park and is classified as an unincorporated person-which means there is no local government.

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Mr. Bok said that the more than 100 residents of the island and about 50 weekend vacationers only pay one fee: maintaining a $150 family membership in the tipped local community association.

With wind turbines and solar panels, Mr. Bock usually only needs to use his generator when it is cloudy and stationary for a few days.

But he pointed out that to have one of the most unique addresses in the state, some lifestyle adjustments are required.

“You may only vacuum when the sun is out or when the wind is blowing,” he said.

The tank water is being used, there is no sewer, and people who want to use natural gas must use liquefied petroleum gas.

Unsurprisingly, it has not yet recorded Covid-19 infection-although the locals still take the epidemic seriously in the few shared facilities on the island, whether it’s elementary schools, CFA stations, cricket grounds or gas stations in grocery stores or post Office.

But it is not completely remote, although there is no road connection, there are daily ferries.

“Some locals have some bartering transactions, but the ferry is operated by Victoria Public Transport and most people have a car at Stony Point (the end of the mainland train line),” Mr. Bok said.

But buyers do need to consider some additional due diligence.

Mr. Bock said: “My average inspection time takes about half a day. People are patrolling around the island to check the properties.”

“And it is more challenging for insurance and bank valuations. Not every bank will use island property as collateral for loans.

“So you may need a broker for your loans and insurance.”

Current listings in French Island include Barge Pass No. 39, A land valued at $750,000, covering 19 acres (7.7 hectares), and obtaining a permit to build a house on site, with a secondary access point on the island, and a vehicle barge departing from mainland Corinella The dock is right in front of his house.

There are another 10 acres (4.04 hectares) in 150 Center Avenue, There is also a construction permit at a cost of $775,000.

Michael Phoenix of One Agency Peninsula owns the island’s largest listed project at present, with a 48.56 hectare farm located in Chapter 72 There are a few cows and two houses.

This is also believed to be related to the political scandal between the former deputy prime ministers Jim Keynes and Juni Morrosi.

“Once you set foot on Flinders Island, you are away from the grid,” Mr. Phoenix said.

“And it’s a very cheap place to live. Your only living expenses are fuel for the generator.

“Buyers in the past have always wanted another way of life, a quieter way of life-or turn back time.”

The farm has two houses, one dating back to 1885, also installed solar and wind generators and backup generators.

He also listed on the neighboring 1.62 hectares of land 81 Scotts Lane.

This $1.3 million property has a huge shed to install solar panels, partly for weekend getaways, but also has a permit to build a double-storey house.

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