The Hon Rod Welford, the Minister for Justice and Attorney General for Queensland, (representing the Minister for the Environment, Dean Wells), opened the exciting new EcoCentre at Crystal Waters on Tuesday 14 August 2001.

The Minister said, "The EcoCentre is a great facility for all of us, and it will play a pivotal role in the future of sustainability education in this part of the world in the years ahead." He congratulated the Global Ecovillage Network for taking the initiative and establishing a centre of such high standard.

The EcoCentre benefited from a Queensland Government grant for the photovoltaic (PV) panels and inverter, which on a sunny winter's day puts about 13 kWh of green energy into the mains power grid. The government is keen to see many more domestic users and educational institutions applying for these grants, which are available through the Environmental Protection Authority.

After a short presentation using the new multimedia giant screen, the guests at the function were treated to an fantastic buffet of Crystal Waters produce - tasty fresh breads from the new Crystal Waters wood fired bakery, cheeses from the award winning Mary River Cheeses, organic jam, greens, eggs - and all washed down with BFA certified organic orange juice. It was a feast much commented on, especially by those guests who came from Brisbane to attend the event. Some guests even took bread and cheese home with them!