The Evolution of Crystal Waters
In 1985 the residents of the original Crystal Waters community called on the services of Permaculture Services Pty Ltd (now Eco-Logical Solutions Ltd) to design and implement a subdivision which would prove that developments which considered both the agricultural potential and the ecological needs of a property were viable.

The design was to be an example of sustainable development in a rural environment, providing:

  • clean water, air and food
  • work and recreation possibilities
  • an infrastructure which allowed for free spiritual expression and social interaction
  • an environment where humans could live harmoniously with nature, caring for the native flora and fauna.
  • These were to be all in close proximity to each other, providing neighbourly security to the residents and reducing the need for travel by car between different human needs.

The four member design team assessed the land, determining areas which would be residential lots, commercial areas, and common land.

If any one of the team felt that a piece of land was particularly special, the land was immediately designated common land.

The best agricultural land was also designated common land for future licensing to residents. Dams, roads and provision of services to lots were planned and drawn up.

Crystal Waters was designed to accommodate approximately 250-300 people, and to have 83 residential lots. Two additional commercial lots - one to serve as short-term visitors’ accommodation (the Visitors Camping Area), and the other to be the commercial Village Centre, were also incorporated.

The subdivision was accomplished under the Queensland Building Units and Group Titles Act, 1980, and allowed people to purchase their own parcel of freehold land, while the balance of the land (approximately 80% of the total area) was to be owned in common.

(The Building Units and Group Titles Act has been amended twice since 1980, is now replaced by the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997.)

Once the plan was approved by Landsborough Shire Council (now amalgamated within the Caloundra City Council) in April 1986, Crystal Waters Permaculture Village became a real possibility. Through advertising and word of mouth sufficient future residents contributed deposits to fund the necessary infrastructure. Within a year all blocks were spoken for, construction completed, and the first new residents arrived!!!

Crystal Waters is still evolving, and could be considered to be in its childhood, with lots of growing and learning still to come. Most of the lots are now actually occupied, and we have around 200 full time residents.