Well I think it's time to inject a little manlyness into the permaculture equation. Yes this is big boy permaculture now, not that amby pamby frollicking barefoot amongst the zone 3 food forest stuff! This is about the smell of diesel, digging big holes with big machines, and getting down and dirty!
2.5 hours south of Brisbane, adjacent to the northern NSW village of The Channon is Zaytuna Farm - home of the Permaculture Research Institute of Australia (http://www.permaculture.org.au/), and demonstration site for all things permaculture. There I spent five days at the feet of the permaculture guru - Geoff Lawton - to learn the secrets of permaculture earthworks. Nice chap.
I am now equipped with the knowledge to excavate dams and swales, and control water to bring moisture and nutrients back into the soil. What power! I hope to use it wisely on our land soon. Can't wait to get diggin!
Stefano