Tree changer
Spring 2010
Tree Changers
and proud of it!
“Peace and quiet and sense
of country community”
In the Winter Issue I asked
residents of the Shire of
Chittering “Are we a tree
changer hot spot”?
Thank you to those who
responded what a wonderful
insight into why you love living
here.
70% of respondents confirmed
they made the Tree Change. Not
everyone responded so I can’t
draw any factual conclusions but
what is clear is many of us are
seeking the same things from
living here:
“Laid back atmosphere, the
space and being able to see
the stars in all their glory at
night”
“The quiet. I can have my
orchard, vegetable patch,
chickens and room for
children to play”
P H : Jackie Shervington: 0419 045 783 E M A I L : jackie@questusrealty.com.au
Living in the Chittering Valley
“Feeling of community,
country living and being
away from the suburban
sprawl”
The majority of respondents
are supportive or neutral
(80%) of more people moving
here as they see in return the
region will enjoy more essential
services such as medical and
sporting facilities. Restaurants
and late night eateries are also
in demand. All these activities
will also help create new
employment opportunities which
many believe are essential for a
viable tree change.
If you would like to read
the full survey responses
please check out
http://shervingtonsecrets.
blogspot.com/
• PROPERTY NEWS•
circ. 1000
Thank you to
everyone for their support and
encouragement to the first
Winter Issue of Tree Changer. I
share your enthusiasm for living
here and welcome your insights
into what makes it so special.
I agree with you that more
people to our region is
inevitable. With the right brand
values and protection we can
grow as a sustainable first choice
for the many Tree Changers who
are yet to discover our “slice of
heaven”.
This time of year it certainly
is as pretty as a picture. The
wildflowers on the side of the
road are just joyful; and already
we are starting to see the
Kangaroo Paws which provides
a great game of spotto with the
children, my favourite wildflower
is the Blue Leschenaultia.
I became a Property Consultant
in the region because I believe
people should have a great
experience when they buy or
sell and I am confident I can
offer that. With my business
background you’ll receive a
level of professional service
which I am confident will
exceed your expectations.
Please consider me for your
property needs. Ph 0419 045 783.
Jackie Shervington
Property Consultant
Spring 2010 • PROPERTY NEWS•

An excellent example of this Some may say this is a “Nimby”

brand protection, is the recent attitude; I say; any business
controversy around Margaret who is looking to extend it’s
River’s proposed Coal mine. lines of business; first considers
What a tribute to their brand how this will cannibalise other

CH
Our regional brand
has a financial
value that we must
protect.
Results to the Tree Changer
survey confirm many
residents place a value on
the regions core attributes;
peace, beautiful scenery,
country lifestyle, nature
and community. These are
becoming precious attributes
globally as people seek to
escape the rat race. We must
promote and protect these as
we explore growth options.
to hear people comment,
“Oh no, not Margaret River!
That doesn’t make sense”.
Their Shire CEO talked about
jobs and commerce but
clearly these would come at
a cost. The biggest asset on
their balance sheet is brand
equity; whether wine, cheese
or furniture. If they dilute the
brand, they devalue those
products, not to mention the
biggest value product in their
region, yes “real estate”. I’m
confident the residents will win
that battle and when they do
that will be a huge precedent
for regional branding.
We owe it to our region, to
look at our own branding and
protect what we believe to
be our greatest attributes and
consider the ramifications of
any new industries we allow.
People are currently paying
a premium to escape to our
region for peace and quiet.
I am concerned if we allow
mining in our region we
devalue these core attributes.
businesses. A poor fit will
always reduce the business
benefit.
Our region has a unique and
attractive offering. We need
to ask ourself if Mining in the
region is a good fit and is it
worth the risk.
A few years ago I flew across
the world to a world famous
region called Nappa Valley,
I returned home with photos
of this beautiful place, only
to realise I needn’t have
bothered; the photos looked
much like the views from
my place. Of course it was
more than the scenery
that attracted me; the
restaurants, the artists, the
B&Bs, the produce and the
wine. Imagine ...all of these
attractions could one day
describe Chittering. Oh by
the way Napa Valley is about
1 hours drive North of San
Franscisco.

Flavours of Chittering
My family and I recently attended the
Flavours of Chittering. We arrived at the
hub and after a quick appreciation of local
offerings we took the next step to check out
one of the wineries.

We enjoyed a beautiful afternoon at

Hartley Estate Vineyard, the hospitality and
entertainment was faultless. We felt like we
had just arrived at a Greek festival. Others
described it as how the Swan Valley use to
be before “all the bus loads arrived”. I hope
this wonderful event will continue to grow If you missed it I believe the winery is open
whilst still attracting quality, gentile family on Sundays and is well worth the visit.
friendly attractions.
How small is
too small?
I had a lengthy call from a local resident who
shared with me her concerns for smaller lot sizes.
I wasn’t surprised at all by this comment as it is
one of the key responses in the recent “Chittering
Tree Changer” survey.

The general consensus is a min 5 acres as people

don’t want the region to become suburbia
- rightly so.

Personally I think sub divisions within the valley

should have mandates around how many trees
must be planted. Whilst size is important, the key
issue is privacy. I have a friend on 7 acres and
I swear you feel like you are on 50 because the OUR
COMMUNITY
trees are positioned such that you can’t see your
neighbours business. I’m not suggesting high fire
risk but responsible tree planting for privacy.

Funny thing I uncovered in the conversation, as a

Real Estate person, I was being held responsible
& FAMILY
for these sub divisions. Truth is we as residents are Not surprisingly half of the respondents
responsible as we decide what is approved through to my survey were retirees.
our council.
The challenge moving forward
I thank the resident for sharing her views and I am will be to retain these elders in
pleased I have provided a means for the discussion. our community, especially as we
recognise the benefits of embracing
the extended family. I know of at least
������������ a dozen families who have moved
to this area to be near their parents.
It certainly played a key role in my
decision to move here.
To retain our elders we need more

Escape to Bindoon
medical facilities which thankfully the
shire has earmarked for the future. I
agree it is certainly a worthwhile goal
for our residents and surrounding
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � regions as we offer the perfect
downsizing retirement option.
��������� ����������
������ ������������������������ For many residents they go to
perth as little as possible - if we can
������ �� ������������������ minimise the trips for routine medical
� �������������
������ �� ����������������������������� requirements all the better. Let us
� ���������������� celebrate and welcome our new
������ ������� �� ����������������������� � arrivals Dentist, Pathology and hope
� �������������������
������ �� �������������������������� this is the start of a long list of services
���
� �� � ��������������������� coming to our community.

� � � �� � �
��������������������������������
 PROPERTY
WATCH
Are we going to see
a turnaround in the
property market?
It’s spring time and what is
historically a good time for buying
and selling activity. No question the
market has been subdued over recent
months and there are many wondering
whether the positive signs will
translate to buying activity.
The reasons for a market
improvement are certainly
stacking up:
The banks are easing their
lending criteria
The economy is doing well
growing at 3.3% and the WA
mining sector is poised for
major expansion, particularly
in iron ore and gas
Unemployment is at low levels
Interest rates are still below
historical averages
ABS figures show that WA’s
population grew by 2.3% in
the March 2010 quarter, the
highest growth in Australia.
The key to tapping into these
opportunities will be to build our
regional brand and market to the right
target markets. I’m still amazed at
how many Perth people have never
heard of Chittering or Bindoon.
N E X T I S S U E : B U I L D I N G I N T H E VA L L E Y
To stay abreast of property news of interest to the Valley, please check out my blog http://shervingtonsecrets.blogspot.com/
FINANCE - THE RULES
CHANGE FOR RURAL
I spoke to my Mortgage Broker, Shane Abbott Director, The
Mortgage Gallery Morley to find out the latest finance issues. I
use to work with Shane many years ago at BankWest where I was
Head of Customer Development; he has been a fantastic support
in my personal finance and I thought it only appropriate he share
some thoughts on rural lending. Here is what Shane had to say:
“If you are thinking of purchasing rural property as an investment,
for a tree change or a hobby farm there are lending issues you
need to understand first.
Banks treat rural property differently to standard sized properties,
therefore you need to take the time to review all the lending
issues before you make any moves in the market.
A majority of the banks will only lend at standard rates to
properties 50 hectares and under. Anything over this, and it is
considered a commercial transaction and as a result you will
have to get a commercial loan.
What is wrong with that you ask? Well the costs associated
with a commercial loan are far higher. Both in terms of interest
rates and fees. Also, the required deposit is often much higher
and commercial loans usually only run up to 15 years, meaning
monthly repayments are higher.
If you are looking at buying BEFORE you make an offer you should
sit down with a broker like Shane and be absolutely clear about
your specific situation.
A few more
trees in the
ground...
Thank you.
With 48 responses received I am pleased to confirm I have
planted trees in your name. Unfortunately with such a dry
spring I might have to have another crack at it next year.
My son and I took up the invitation of Chittering Landcare
Coordinator, Rosanna Hindmarsh to plant over 50 York
Gums, Sheoak and Jam at the old Wannamal tip site. What
a fantastic job they have done up there of regenerating the
old tip site just behind the tennis courts.