Dieter Horstmann
Background
Dieter Horstmann is a German‑born environmental pioneer who has dedicated decades to creating a model of sustainable living in Byron Shire, New South Wales. Migrating from Germany — a country renowned for its environmentally conscious technologies — Dieter brought with him a lifelong passion for alternative fuels, renewable energy, and ecological lifestyles.
Eagle Farm & Byron Eco Park
On his 75‑hectare beachfront property in Tyagarah, known as Eagle Farm or Byron Eco Park, Dieter has developed one of Byron Bay’s most unique destinations. The property features:
- Striking basalt stone columns arranged into a “Byron Bay Stonehenge.”
- A rock tower resembling a medieval castle, complete with grotto and cave.
- Sculptures and artistic installations created in collaboration with local and international artists.
- A honey processing facility producing premium jellybush (Manuka‑style) honey, powered entirely by solar and battery storage.
Renewable Energy Leadership
Dieter has been at the forefront of renewable energy initiatives in the Northern Rivers region:
- Bio‑mass Energy Plant: He has championed plans for Australia’s first bio‑mass energy plant at Eagle Farm, designed to generate electricity from household and green waste while recycling water for crop irrigation.
- Solar Revolution Symposium: He organized the Byron Solar Revolution symposium, a sell‑out event that brought together community leaders to share initiatives for clean, community‑owned electricity.
- Byron New Energy Co‑operative: Dieter donated part of his land to establish this not‑for‑profit co‑op, which promotes environmentally friendly technologies such as bio‑waste energy, water recycling, and organic food production.
- Zero Emissions Byron: His work aligns with the region’s ambitious goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2025.
Vision & Projects
Dieter’s vision is to create a 100% ecologically sustainable eco‑village and tourism facility that serves as a living model for environmental best practice. Key projects include:
- An Environmental Education Eco‑tourism Facility to provide sustainability education for schools, community groups, and individuals.
- A Domestic Eco‑Village showcasing renewable energy, sustainable architecture, organic agriculture, and cultural creativity.
- Development of business structures to support environmental industries across timber, agri‑business, IT, transport, indigenous industries, tourism, art, music, and theatre.
Honey & Ecology
Eagle Farm is also home to The Honey Factory, which processes 30–40 tonnes of jellybush honey annually. The facility runs entirely on renewable energy, using solar panels and advanced battery storage systems. This ties into Dieter’s broader ecological mission — integrating agriculture, energy, and environmental art into a single sustainable ecosystem.
Legacy
Through Eagle Farm and Byron Eco Park, Dieter Horstmann has created a space where sustainability, art, and community intersect. His work demonstrates how renewable energy, ecological design, and cultural creativity can coexist, offering both inspiration and practical solutions for a cleaner, greener future.