-----Original Message-----
From: silicon-beach-australia@googlegroups.com [mailto:silicon-beach-australia@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of rgh....@gmail.com
Sent: Sunday, 28 June 2009 2:15 PM
To: Silicon Beach Australia
Subject: [SiliconBeach] How would a 'small regional town' go as 'start-up and innovation centre'

Dear SBA,

I am working a project to use the solar electricity feed-in-tariffs in
South Australia to create eco-villages.

By arbitraging the rules, that is, by making small houses and very
large photovoltaic arrays I can effectively give away houses without
cost.  There is a normal mortgage on the property but the income
generated from the solar array (aka solar farming)  is more than
enough to pay the costs.  It works as the cost of the land and house
is very low.

Being freed of the burden of a mortgage.
What new economic system could be developed?
Would artists and hackers go to a small town?
What products and services can be exported away from the region?

The two locations that we are currently working on are outside Port
Lincoln  and the other outside of Berri.

With low /no cost housing and a high level of sustainability what kind
of projects would be possible?

My initial thoughts on the export industries would be;
1) eduction (people looking and learning from out town/region
2) organic food - as long as the carbon footprint is low
3) tourist
4) innovation

Any other suggestions?

regards,
Richard Hayes
0414 618 425