by Max Lindegger

Many people have been writing in lately asking for more information on Crystal Waters, so here are some facts.

Acknowledged by the presentation of a special award in the 1996 UN Habitat Awards for its ‘pioneering work in demonstrating new ways of low impact, sustainable living’, Crystal Waters is a 640 acre (259 hectare) settlement carefully designed to minimise human impact on the environment.

Construction started in 1987 and it is now home to around 200 people. The land is divided into 83 freehold and leasehold lots (14% of the total area), business land (owned by the community co-op and comprising some 6% of the total land), and common land (the remaining 80%). By-laws ensure that all land is managed sustainably, with toxic chemicals and pesticides banned. Wildlife welfare has been considered, with wildlife corridors being designed in and dogs and cats prohibited here.

Recommendations of Local Agenda 21:

The following headings are recommendations of LA21. Crystal Waters has achieved a number of these.

Changing Consumption Patterns

Agenda 21 calls for a change in consumption patterns, to examine the demand for natural resources generated by unsustainable consumption and seek ways of using resources that minimize depletion and reduce pollution.

At Crystal Waters many of the buildings use sustainable, renewable and non-polluting materials such as rammed earth and timber, avoid using materials high in energy consumption (e.g. aluminium) or ecological unsustainability (e.g. rainforest timbers), and recycle products which would otherwise have been wasted (e.g. windows, doors, timbers). A strong emphasis is placed on using local resources and materials wherever possible.

The initial design process ensured that mains power supply to each lot was reduced, which encourages careful use of power. Crystal Waters homes on average use only half the amount of power per lot compared to the Australian average home. A by-law requires residents to recycle materials

Sustainable Human Settlements

The placement of lots on the land, by laws which prevent pollution in various ways, the careful use of water and the recycling of materials and compostables (see below) all make Crystal Waters an extremely eco-friendly human settlement

As well as being ecologically sustainable Crystal Waters is also increasingly economically sustainable. The village has brought back people and business from the cities into a rural area, making the area more viable financially and increasing diversity. Many residents of Crystal Waters have started businesses, using technology to allow them to work from home. These residents not only finance themselves, they create work for other villagers and the surrounding area.

Protecting the Atmosphere

Most houses at Crystal Waters use solar systems for hot water production and devices which reduce the need for electricity. The fact that few residents commute far (if at all) to work means a reduction in carbon monoxide emissions from car exhausts.

Managing Land Sustainably

Crystal Waters has in place a Land Use Policy which ensures that the land is managed sustainably. There has been much reforestation, particularly on slopes which were liable to erosion and in ‘buffer zones’ along the river.

Combating deforestation

This recommendation has been fulfilled by the residents, who have transformed what was degraded over grazed land by extensive reforestation of old paddocks, gullies and the riparian zone, and by improvements to the existing forested areas.

Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development

Agenda 21 calls for sustainable agriculture. Crystal Waters has organic certification, and a by-law prohibiting the use of pesticides.

Conservation of Biological Diversity

Under this heading Agenda 21 calls for the encouragement of traditional methods of agriculture, agroforestry, range and wildlife management which use, maintain or increase diversity. Crystal Waters contributes to the conservation of biological diversity by its reforestation activities, creation of habitat, non-use of chemicals and the prohibition of dogs and cats. Several endangered species are to be found on the property and over 25 species of frogs - a clear indication of its environmental health.

Protecting and managing freshwater

The design of Crystal Waters is such that no lot is closer than 20 metres from a watercourse, which provides a ‘buffer zone’. While residents can take up to 1000 litres a day per lot from the river via a reticulated water system, they are required to collect rain water for needs excess to this amount, and for potable water. The 1000 litre limit ensures that the river water quality and quantity is not adversely affected by the settlement.

Wet and dry composting toilets are much used, and grey water used in orchards to maximise the use of water. Water saving strategies such as swales and mulching are also in common use.

Safe use of toxic chemical

Agenda 21 calls for the safe use of toxic chemicals - in Crystal Waters residents try not to use them at all. By-laws prevent the use of any chemical not certified by the organic growing associations. Most residents have built, as far as possible, homes free of toxic chemicals.

Business and Industry

The designed population size of Crystal Waters is such that many villagers will be able to make a decent living by selling their trade/goods within the community. Other villagers use technological advances in telecommunications to market their goods. Both situations mean that villagers are not commuting long distances to work, using fuel, creating pollution and wasting energy and time.

Education, Training and Public Awareness

Crystal Waters fulfils this recommendation of Agenda 21 by running numerous courses throughout the year on sustainability issues, providing tours and accommodation for visitors, by publishing books and booklets, and by maintaining an information centre.

Perhaps Crystal Waters’ most successful educative tool is itself - the experience of living in this village teaches you how easy it is to make the few small changes that have a big impact on the environment.