Sharing hideaway with the world? Oui oui oui - Toowoomba Chronicle

Greg and Sylvie Hockin outside their eco-friendly bed and breakfast ecoRidge Hideaway outside Toowoomba. Contributed

THE co-owner of a slice of paradise only minutes from Toowoomba believes an ecotourism forum attracting international operators will improve the industry.

Frenchwoman Sylvie Hockin and her husband Greg's 15-month tour of Australia came to an abrupt end when they found the block of land, now home to ecoRidge Hideaway.

Ms Hockin, who grew up on a sheep farm in southern France, said the environment was precious and it was important ecotourism operators shared their ideas.

She has thrown her support behind the G20 Sustainable Leaders Forum to be held today.

Ms Hockin said although when they first started the bed and breakfast more than five years ago, being eco-friendly was uncommon, people were quickly catching on.

The Hockins are also members of the Land for Wildlife voluntary program which focuses on nature conservation.

But she did not deny running eco-friendly accommodation was cheap.

Ms Hockin said maintaining running waste water treatment was costly, but they saved money using solar panels.

The 20-hectare property had a Queenslander and a self-sufficient energy set-up, but the Hockins have taken the ecologically sustainable practices on the acreage much further.

The three chalets for guests are made of recycled iron back and old railway bridges and have bamboo flooring.

With trails criss-crossing the property to view the environment and wildlife and the perfect view of the sunrise, Ms Hockin described it as "almost like being on top of the world".

"I guess when people come here they get a closer look at nature," she said.

"They really appreciate the peace and tranquillity," Mrs Hockins said.

ABOUT THE G20

• WHAT: The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for its members' international economic cooperation and decision-making.


• WHO: Its membership comprises 19 countries plus the European Union. Each G20 president invites several guest countries each year. It is supported by international organisations.


• WHEN: G20 leaders meet annually. This year they will meet in Brisbane.