AIRLIE BEACH TOURISM OPERATORS ECO-CONSCIOUS

_{22 April, 2010}

A group of sixteen dedicated Airlie Beach tourism businesses will be acknowledged today for their efforts in building Queensland as a sustainable destination as a part of Queensland’s landmark pilot Sustainable Regions Project, Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said.

Ms Jarratt said the project was the first statewide sustainable tourism project implemented in Australia, and aimed to reduce the environmental impact of tourism and encourage visitors to view Airlie Beach, and eventually Queensland, as a sustainable tourism destination.

“The Sustainable Regions project is the first program in Australia to work with regional operators across the state to transform Queensland into a domestically and internationally recognised sustainable tourism destination.

“We want holidaymakers to feel comfortable that their visit to Queensland will be an environmentally ‘guilt-free’ experience,” Ms Jarratt said.

“The pilot phase of the program had been considered a resounding success, with State Government, local council and the Airlie Beach tourism community all coming together to take part in reducing the carbon footprint.

“This program encourages a unified approach across the region with common goals that will provide guidance for all tourism operators in their response to climate change.

“Currently, the Whitsunday Regional Council is currently working with businesses create a number of community events that endeavour to involve and educate the Airlie beach community on the importance of sustainability.

“Abel Point Marina will soon initiate a pilot recycling program to combat the lack of waste recycling services available in the region.

“Visitors to the area will also be provided with a pocket guide ‘5 ways to love Airlie Beach’ full of information on how to keep Airlie Beach Beautiful.”

Minister for Tourism Peter Lawlor said the project had also been piloted in four other regions: Stradbroke Island, Winton, Magnetic Island and Pioneer Valley/Cape Hillsborough.

“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,” he said.

“Nearly 50 businesses across the state have committed to reducing their combined carbon footprint by 1,173.31 tonnes of C02 annually - that’s the equivalent of taking 273 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 is in all of our best interests to ensure we protect and sustain the natural beauty of our state,” he said.

Media contact-

Jan Jarratt
4945 3343
whitsunday@parliament.qld.gov.au

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