18 Capricorn Coast tourism operators have been recognised today for their ongoing efforts to make their businesses more sustainable, announced Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business Jan Jarratt.
Ms Jarratt said the awards were part of Tourism Queensland’s Sustainable Regions Project, designed to reduce the environmental impact of tourism and make visitors see the Capricorn Coast as a sustainable tourism destination.
“The Sustainable Regions Project is the first program in Australia to work with regional operators across the state to help transform Queensland into a domestically and internationally recognised sustainable tourism destination,” Ms Jarratt said.
“We want holidaymakers to feel comfortable that their visit to Queensland will be an environmentally ‘guilt-free’ experience.”
Keppel MP Paul Hoolihan said the program had been a resounding success across the region, with participating tourism operators having already reporting strong outcomes.
“One great example is the staff on Pumpkin Island who are minimising their ecological footprint through sustainable operations which save water, power and reduce emissions,” he said.
“In November 2009 the island was awarded Advanced Ecotourism certification and has also been benchmarking its progress towards sustainability through the internationally recognised EarthCheck Assessed benchmarking program.
“In Yeppoon, Capricorn Resort has its own water treatment facility, including grey water, and has replaced its emergency lightings with LEDs to reduce energy consumption, which has saved the business an estimated $750 a year.
“Capricorn Resort is also investigating the use of solar pre-heat systems for hot water units.
“Tour operator Capricorn Caves has recently upgraded its recycling program, provided environmental training programs to staff and reviewed its training manual to include a substantial section on environmental awareness.
“Capricorn Caves has also consulted with its local electrician to replace older lighting in the caves and also completed an energy audit with Ergon late last year.
Tourism Queensland CEO Anthony Hayes said Capricorn Coast Sustainable Regions Project had also been piloted in six other regions - Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island, North Stradbroke Island, Mackay Hinterland, Winton and Agnes Water/Seventeen Seventy.
“Tourism Queensland has been working with regional tourism organisations, local councils, consultants and tourism operators to move Queensland towards being recognised as a sustainable state,” Mr Hayes said.
“Nearly 66 businesses across the state have committed to reducing their combined carbon footprint by 1,235.76 tonnes of C02 annually - that’s the equivalent of taking 289 cars off the road for a year!”
“Queensland has some of the world’s most amazing natural environments and experiences on the planet, so it’s in the best interest of all to ensure we protect and sustain the natural beauty of our state.”
(Source: www.tq.com.au)
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