The compromise comes just weeks after families moved into the property's first hemp homes on the 112-hectare landshare community in Butterwick

The council agreed to tar the dirt roadway at a cost of $400,000 with the money to be refunded by the Shepherds Ground development owners.

An initial payment of $200,000 would be handed over to the council at the time of commencement.

Sally Maguire, from Shepherds Ground, said the community was pleased with the council decision.

"In 2019 Shepherds Ground will be contributing towards the upgrade of 400m of the 2.5km stretch of road but realistically the entire road needs upgrading," she said.

"The Wallalong Hinton Pony Club, a council facility, is frequently being used for large events and the owner of Little Brandy Hill - the property at the end of the road - recently started a business. The road also boasts the entry to a large piece of crown land, including a fire trail which is frequently used by birdwatchers and dog walkers.

"Shepherds Ground has a one-car policy and a car share program already in place and we are already contributing toward the upgrade of one-fifth of this road - but a full upgrade is required."

Two permanent residents are now living on site in their locally sourced hemp homes, one is Margie Bruvel, a longtime resident of the area whose daughter, Lucy, founded the grounds.

The hemp walls have many benefits, including insulation and are fire and noise proof as well as being insect repellent. Two more hemp houses are expected to be built in the coming months and at least four more will be constructed in 2019.

"Hemp has amazing insulation properties … it is a natural product and very eco-friendly," Ms Maguire said.

"Hemp homes are built using passive house design principles, and these combined with the hemp mean that the inside temperature remains fairly consistent.

"Shepherds Ground keeps hemp construction affordable by using local products and contractors plus we have the unique advantage of being able to all help each other out with labour. Many members have done basic training in hemp installation and can work in combination with the experts to build their homes."

Ms Bruvel said there were many benefits to a sustainable living community. "We have people from all walks of life and most residents will be able to maintain their everyday careers. We hope the concept will become inter-generational, providing a village life where people can live from the cradle to the grave."

The residents of Sheppards Ground hope in five years' time to have all members living in their sustainable, passive homes, enjoying vibrant village life, including safe, secure food production, a functioning village economy, strong ties to the local community by way of small scale farming and employment opportunities plus an established market garden and farm gate.

The Maguires moved to the area one year ago from Sydney so that they could build a home and live a diverse, affordable life that takes in the country and ocean.

"It’s our tree/sea change with a side of sustainability."

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