Michael Mobbs
Cucumber farming in the street

Story by two US interns, Michael Miniotas and Will Brandt, who are growing cucumbers in a Sydney street.

Cucumber farming in the street
Michael Mobbs
Make a more natural nature strip

Here’s a simple, low cost , low tech design which keeps rain water where it falls to make a self-watering nature strip.

Let’s put nature into the ‘nature’ strips of our cities. It’s easy.

Make a more natural nature strip
Michael Mobbs
23 years off grid for water in the centre of ...

What does the data tell us about living off-grid for water in the heart of Sydney?

Analysis of water quantity by an American intern in Sydney, Jillian Meehan.

23 years off grid for water in the centre of Sydney - what the data says
Michael Mobbs
Aircon for on and off-grid houses

Here’s how to have aircon and be on or offgrid for electricity. Cool!

Aircon for on and off-grid houses

Fast track off-grid

Inspirational Sydney City Council Gardening Policy

Inspirational Sydney City Council Gardening Policy

“All of this has been possible because of Sydney City Council’s gardening policy, which allows residents to garden on the footpath without going through a long approval process. It’s a practical policy that gives people, like us, the freedom to improve their streets and use small public spaces for growing sustainable food and plants.“

Automatic approval for off-grid projects in Australia

“Off-grid projects are about personal liberty.  It’s about my freedom to choose low household bills, to decide where and how I get my energy and water.” 
Moi - Michael Mobbs


What’s the reform?

Automatic approvals for off-grid projects.

End the current 7 to 12 months council approval time which results in many farmers and city householders abandoning their off-grid dreams.