Sustainability Hub
Our Promise of Greater Good is about continually improving as an industry and region, as well as introducing how our community has been making efforts in sustainable business (tourism) practices to limit our footprint and proactively give back through research, conservation, and regeneration projects.
Latest News
The latest sustainable industry news
Sustainability Leaders News – December 2024
Welcome this month to all our new members.
Sustainability Leaders News – October 2024
Sustainability Leaders News – September 2024
Green Island Resort wins Queensland Hotel Association Award for Excellence
From employing solar energy on a rainforest covered island to innovative waste management practices turning food waste into organic fertiliser, Green Island Resort has taken out top honours for “Best Environment and Energy Efficiency Practise” in the 2024 Queensland Hotel Association Awards for Excellence.
Sustainability Leaders News – July 2024
Australia faces a pressing waste management issue, impacting every sector including the tourism and hospitality sectors. Annually, our nation produces 2.5 million tonnes of plastic with up to 5% of this leaking into marine environments.
The Tourism Emissions Reduction Program
Does your business hold Sustainable Tourism Accreditation Business (STAB) through the Quality Tourism Framework? The Tourism Emissions Reduction program is now available and currently free of charge for STAB operators!
Tropic Wings Wins Environmental Innovation Award
Tropic Wings Cairns Tours & Charters have constantly been striving towards greener and more eco-friendly tours, a focus they have had at the core of their business ethos since they launched in 1981! With a mission to foster passion for nature and deliver transformational experiences, multi-award-winning, Tropic Wings has recently been awarded the Environmental Innovation Award at the 2024 Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC) Industry Awards.
Sustainability Leaders News – June 2024
In the current landscape, there’s an abundance of resources aimed at supporting businesses in enhancing their sustainability practices, whether it’s through upskilling, certification, or gaining valuable data-based insights. TTNQ’s Sustainability Hub serves as a centralised and regularly updated online resource for our members, offering a wealth of tools, resources, grants, and opportunities tailored to our destination.
Small World Journeys’ waste initiatives
It’s no secret that no one really likes cleaning out our office compost bin. It’s full of limp vegetables, bruised bits of fruit, and the remnants of last Tuesday’s lunch. Guides are also not thrilled about picking the forbidden piece of salami out of a pile of food destined for our big compost bin (where meat doesn’t belong). Despite this, each week the team at Small World Journeys carefully sorts not only our food scraps but our recyclables, landfill waste and soft plastics.
Sustainability Leaders News – April 2024
This month our EDM is all about data! It’s a topic that some of us love and some of us are a little nervous about, but in the sustainability space it’s a wonderful way to look at the position of a business in order to set meaningful goals, to benchmark and to utilise information to tell the good stories of achievement as they are met.
Sustainability data systems with Twinsition
Twinsition is a Cairns-based Sustainability advisory firm providing sustainability data systems and carbon accounting consulting services. We help organisations optimise systems, empower people, and streamline processes for the collection, management, visualisation, and reporting of energy, carbon, water, and waste data.
Sustainability at Cairns Airport
Cairns Airport is half way through a five-year Environment Strategy focusing on climate change, waste reduction, water efficiency, biodiversity protection, pollution prevention, and working with the local community. These initiatives led to Cairns Airport being crowned Airport of the Year twice in 2023, winning the Major Airport of the Year category at the Australian Airports Association (AAA) National Airport Industry Awards and being named Airport of the Year at the Australian Aviation Awards. Cairns Airport also took out the Airport Excellence Award for Sustainability for their Australia-first Sustainability Linked Loan agreement, which features a unique target committing to regenerating threatened species.
CEO Message | Sustainability Leader Cluster Group Notice
TTNQ’s vision is for Tropical North Queensland to be the leader in ecotourism in Australia. Our mission is for every visitor to leave our destination as a custodian of the region’s stories. We recognise you as one of the operators with the greatest commitment to sustainable tourism who takes the time to share the stories of how we are looking after TNQ’s unique natural and cultural places and I would like to welcome you to TTNQ’s new Sustainability Leaders Group. Each of you has made a significant commitment to sustainable tourism through the accreditation or certification of your business and you have been working for many years in engaging our visitors with the region’s story.
Sustainability Storytellers
These storytellers are champions of our industry and allow you to learn more about the sustainable practices that they approach and how you can participate or achieve a similar outcome
Alan Wallish, Passions of Paradise
Over the 30 years that Alan Wallish has been revealing the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef to visitors, he’s seen an evolution: guests now want to play an active part in reef conservation.
Richard Berman-Hardman, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Skyrail’s gondolas connect thousands of passengers per week with the world’s oldest tropical rainforest via one of the longest cableways on the planet – without leaving a footprint.
Steve Edmondson, Sailaway Port Douglas
Sailaway describes how the company’s four luxury catamarans take advantage of the prevailing south-east trade winds to carry passengers to the Low Isles and outer Great Barrier Reef on a range of sailing eco-adventures.
TTNQ Promise of Great Good Toolkit
Our Promise of Greater Good embodies our commitment to continuous improvement as an industry and as a region. We proudly spotlight the efforts of our community in adopting sustainable tourism practices that not only minimise our environmental footprint but also proactively contribute to research, conservation, and regeneration initiatives.
Greater Good
Together, as a united region, we invite you to share our Promise of Greater Good by utilising the following creative assets.
TTNQ Pathways to Sustainable Tourism booklet
Learn how to adopt sustainable business practices and plan your journey towards the greater good.
Reforest Dashboard
Resources
A wide variety of Federal and State Government support, assistance, and grant programs are available to allow businesses to plan for a more sustainable future.
Government Departments and Agencies
Queensland Department of Environment and Science
Australian Department of Agriculture, Water & Environment
Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water
Grants and Funds Available
Emissions Reduction Fund Financial
Incentives for businesses to reduce their carbon emissions
Product Stewardship for Oil Program
Financial benefits for businesses that recycle oil
Green Initiatives Grants
Assistance programs, grants, incentives, awards and subsidies for individuals, groups, community networks and businesses
Regional Economic Futures Fund
A new program to support communities in seizing industry development opportunities presented by global decarbonisation
Grants and Program Finder
This guided search will help you find grants, funding and support programs from across the government
Measuring Your Business’s Carbon Footprint
Businesses can significantly reduce their carbon footprint by tracking emissions and identifying areas that contribute the most to their emissions. This helps in identifying areas of operations that contribute the most to their carbon footprint, thereby mitigating climate change’s impact on the environment and communities served while also generating financial savings.
By measuring your footprint with these calculators, you will understand your carbon footprint, manage it, and reduce your emissions more effectively than ever before.
EarthCheck Carbon Calculator
1. Sign-up for a free calculator
2. Enter your energy, water and waste data through the online system
3. See how you compare to others in your sector and region and determine where your efforts can sit to reduce your impact
ecoBiz carbon calculator
1. Sign-up for a free calculator
2. Enter your business details and information
3. Find out how much your business can save with sustainability and the most common recommendations given to businesses in your industry
The Tourism Emissions Reduction Program
The Tourism Emissions Reduction program provides businesses with an emissions estimate and a tailored emissions reduction plan. Businesses can demonstrate their waste and emission reduction measures to visitors via a unique link and QR code.
Business Advice, Programs and Tools
Climate Action Resources
Actions your business can take to increase profitability, capitalise on future opportunities, become more sustainable and manage climate risk
ecoBiz Queensland
This program provides personal coaching, site surveys, training and tools to small and medium-sized businesses to help them improve resource efficiency and environmental sustainability and reduce operating costs
Recycling and Waste in Queensland
Explore the latest waste and recycling policies
Environmental Management
Find out how you can reduce the amount of energy, water and waste your business uses to help save money and the environment
Queensland’s new-industry development strategy
This strategy details the commitment to growing the economy for all regions and communities by delivering sustainable economic growth and future-facing industry development
Become a Climate-Ready Leader
Prepare your organisation for climate change by learning the knowledge and skills to not only transition to a net zero economy but take advantage of the opportunities it presents.
Sustainable Tourism Certification
Sustainable tourism certifications are voluntary assessments and monitoring of the environmental and social impacts of tourism operators or organisations that facilitate tourism activities. Programs available for business certification are listed below.
Partners and Organisations
The following Australian organisations are actively working towards achieving sustainable goals and providing significant resources and support to businesses for sustainability.
Waste and Procurement
Food Waste Matters – Find out how to turn waste into profit
Reduce Food Waste at Your Business – For businesses in the food service industry, consider these steps to help you reduce food waste
Stop Food Wate Australia – Help businesses fight food waste and build a more sustainable, resilient and profitable food system
Boomerang Alliance – Plastic Free project that works with communities to help reduce single-use plastic packaging
Rethink Business Waste – Business Waste Incentives aimed at halving waste to landfill
Community and Culture
Queensland Tourism Industry Council – Best Practice Guide for Working with First Nations Tourism
Transport
Queensland’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Strategy – 10-year strategy and plan to accelerate Queensland towards a cleaner, greener transport future while making sure the energy networks support the transition to zero-emission vehicles
Queensland’s Electric Super Highway – Connects electric vehicle drivers across our state and includes fast charging locations at a range of coastal and inland locations
Natural Environment and Climate
Climate Council of Australia – Australia’s own independent, evidence-based organisation on climate science, impacts and solutions. View the latest reports, podcasts, infographics and myth-busting guides about the climate
Take 3 for the Sea – An award-winning Australian charity on a mission to rid the oceans of plastic pollution
Tangaroa Blue Foundation – An Australia-wide not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the removal and prevention of marine debris: one of the major environmental issues worldwide
Parley for the Oceans – Based in Cairns, the team operates along the Great Barrier Reef and beyond to conduct cleanups, conservation and education
Rainforest Rescue – Their projects include re-establish rainforests through planting, maintenance, and restoration programs, as well as purchasing and protecting high conservation value rainforests and preserving their biodiversity
Envirocare – Is involved with many different projects with multiple organisations, all of whom are working towards the protection & regeneration of rainforests
Terrain National Resource Management – An environmental management organisation working in Australia’s Wet Tropics region of Tropical North Queensland
Reforest – Helping businesses and events take authentic climate action by planting trees in local reforestation projects through our web platform
Carbon Credits
Aboriginal Carbon Foundation – Aims to achieve economic independence and social and emotional health and wellbeing for First Nations people through carbon farming and cultural fire credits
Green Collar – Reef Credits is a voluntary environmental market that addresses the issue of poor water quality at the Great Barrier Reef by paying land managers for improved water quality resulting from their on-farm actions without compromising the productivity of their land.
#EXPLORETNQ
Walk our world… 🏞️✨ New Year, new adventures and new highs as epic as this sunset. A hike here sure beats the gym, and sweating it out for these views? Totally worth it 😉. 💾 Save for a little 2025 inspo and we`ll see you here soon?
📸: @paulstephen_
ID: A man stands atop a large boulder at sunset. The background features Hinchinbrook Island bathed in hues of orange, pink, and purple.
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia @cassowarycoastaustralia
✌️ Peace out, 2024
Here’s to a year of sunshine, salty swims and unforgettable memories. Whether 2024 was full of adventure or you are ready to make 2025 your year, #exploreTNQ is calling. 🌴
📍 @sailawayportdouglas
📸:@dazandcecil
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia @portdouglasdaintree
ID: A view from above a boat, with the legs of a person seated on the edge visible in the foreground, overlooking blue water. A snorkeller floats below, flashing a peace sign while wearing a snorkel and mask.
Snug as a possum in the rainforest 🥹 Meet the Green Ringtail Possum, one of our unique locals. These cuddly cuties are only found in the rainforests of this region - just one more reason to love this incredible part of the world, right? 💚
📸: @jasminewildlife
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia @athertontablelands
ID: A pair of Green Ringtail Possums curled up tightly together on a tree branch, surrounded by rainforest foliage.
From beauty to breathless – here are YOUR top 10 favourite Reels of 2024. 😂 Wait until the end to see which one captured your hearts the most…we promise it is worth the watch 😉
🔟 @coastalrotors 📍 Waua Islet
9️⃣ @overlandtravellers Travellers 🐊 Rinuirru | Lakefield National Park
8️⃣ @tropicalnorthqueensland 👊 @skyparkcairns
7️⃣ @letestedicamper 🐦 #DaintreeRainforest
6️⃣ @adventuringourway 💚 @paronellapark
5️⃣ @_kln_ 🚙 #GreatBarrierReefDrive
4️⃣ @tropicalnorthqueensland 🚂 #Kuranda @skyrailcairns
3️⃣ @reefsprinter – 🐋 #GreatBarrierReef
2️⃣ @amys.camera.lens 🤿 @wildlifehabitat
1️⃣ @tropicalnorthqueensland 🥾 Tag Your Hiking Buddy
We can’t wait to share more unforgettable moments with you in 2025! #topreels2024
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia @queensland @australia @cassowarycoastaustralia @cooktowntnq @portdouglasdaintree @athertontablelands @visitmareebashire
ID: A compilation of Tropical North Queensland’s top 10 Reels of 2024 showcasing the region’s natural beauty, diverse activities, and wildlife. Highlights include aerial views of Waua Islet, a crocodile in its natural habitat, bungy jumping, a cassowary sighting, the mossy ruins of Paronella Park, winding coastal roads and experiences with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, whale watching and crocodile feeding. The countdown ends with a hiking trail, accompanied by humorous on-screen text that says: “I love the peaceful sound of hiking in nature”.
Join us in @tropicalnorthqueensland to countdown to 2025! From Hollywood glam to poolside cocktails, welcome the new year with a bang 🚀🍾.
Check out our NYE guide (link in bio) ⬆️
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland
@australia
@portdouglasdaintree
ID: The video opens at @novotelcairns , showcasing a pool scene, then shifts to @crystalbrookflynn where a bartender makes a cocktail. It moves on to a party atmosphere at @pullmanportdouglas , followed by a fireworks display in Port Douglas. Inside the @thebensonhotel_cairns , a New Year’s Eve party is in full swing. The scene transitions to @mexicairns with its festive bar environment, and then to a dining experience at @crystalbrookriley . The video wraps up with another fireworks show over Cairns Esplanade, celebrating the New Year.
🌴 Save these ideas to stay cool this summer!🌞
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1️⃣ Float The River. Cool off with @backcountryblissadventures and float the Mossman River. As the #DaintreeRainforest canopy shades you, the gentle current takes you downstream where every twist and turn is a blur of green magic.
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2️⃣ Discover #WooroonooranNationalPark on two wheels. Shaded trails wind through rainforest, passing creeks and streams - this is one ride you won’t want to miss.
3️⃣ Dine out on the Cairns Esplanade. Grab a cold drink, fresh tropical food and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this waterfront precinct. With so many options to eat, you will be spoiled for choice.
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4️⃣ Go up in elevation and head for the @athertontablelands . A summer oasis filled with waterfalls, tropical produce, epic views and plenty of adventure.
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5️⃣ Treat yourself to the ultimate summer delight with a scoop of tropical ice cream. From @emeraldcreek.icecreamery to the @daintreeicecream and @mungallicreek, you will find some of the best tropical flavours this side of the equator. Sweet, refreshing, and oh-so-good! 🥭
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#explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland @australia
ID: Title frame over video reads “5 Cool Ways to Stay Cool This Summer” as a montage of scenes showcases Tropical North Queensland activities: floating down a rainforest river with Back Country Bliss Adventures, cycling through Wooroonooran National Park, sipping cocktails on the Cairns Esplanade, enjoying waterfalls and views on the Atherton Tablelands, eating ice cream at Mungalli Creek Biodynamic Dairy, and swimming in the Cairns Lagoon.
Swapping snow for sand and rocking boardies around a palm fringed Christmas tree A T Wishing you all a very sunny Christmas from the tropics #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #seeaustralia #thisisqueensland
[ID: Split screen featuring the same dance to a Christmas song. One side shows a single person dancing on a beach, while the other shows two people dancing in front of a crocodile exhibit.]
Who needs snow when you have got sunshine, snorkels and Christmas rashies? 🌊☀️ This is how we do the holidays in @tropicalnorthqueensland. #GBR adventures with a side of festive cheer. Santa might need fins to keep up. 🐠🎅
Check out the hottest summer deals here ☝ (link in bio ➡️ deals)
📸: @reef_unlimited
ID: Two snorkellers wearing festive Christmas sun suits prepare to enter clear blue water near the boat named “Dreamtime Snorkel”. The split-level photo shows their fins underwater and the boat in the background under a bright blue sky.
🌿 Let us show you some of nature’s greatest hits… buckle in, it’s a wild ride. 🌊
In order of appearance:
Yule Point, Port Douglas 🌅
Cannabulen Falls 💦
Kalaphine Rock (Lamb’s Head) 🏞️
Babinda Falls 🌊
Mossman Bluff ⛰️
🎥: @evjocks
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
@queensland
@australia
ID: A video showing locations in Tropical North Queensland. Mangroves at Yule Point, Port Douglas during sunrise, the flowing waters of Cannabulen Falls surrounded by rainforest, the peak of Kalaphine Rock (Lamb’s Head) above the trees, Babinda Falls rushing through a rocky gorge and the cliffs of Mossman Bluff with rainforest in the background.
🪸🐠 Experience the biggest plate coral on North Opal Reef with our Master Reef Guides on @wavelengthreefcruises
Like all @masterreefguides we believe sharing wonders like this on the Great Barrier Reef is a great honour! 🩵
#explorecairnsgbr #exploretnq #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
🎥 @tahnmiller
[ID: Master Reef Guide snorkelling in between large plate coral on the Great Barrier Reef]
