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
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 Pathways to Sustainable Tourism booklet
Learn how to adopt sustainable business practices and plan your journey towards the greater good.
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
Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme
Rebates to individuals and businesses who have purchased a new zero-emissions vehicle
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
Business Advise, 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
Climate Change Risk Management Tool
Information for small businesses on climate change, the related risks and checklists to assess these risks.
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
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
In the wise words of our friend @pb.ay, we can always count on Rex Lookout to give us some 10/10 views! 😍🌴
You can stop at this lookout on the drive between #Cairns and #PortDouglas 🚙📍
#exploreCairnsGBR #exploreTNQ #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
Ready to earn your morning view? 💪
Tackle the #FitzroyIsland summit to enjoy panoramic views of the island surrounds: 1-2 hours, 4km track with a few steep hills 👣 (Hot tip - wake up early and catch the sunrise at the summit! ⏰)
🎥 @kokoalitoontheroad and @worldtravellerstogether #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR
[ID: Two people hiking to the summit of Fitzroy Island, past rocks, trees and grass. Views of the lookouts along the way over the ocean and island. Text on screen reads POV: Hiking the island summit for this view and just like that…]
Camping is a family favourite for the long weekends around here! Hands up if that’s how you’ve spent this weekend? ⛺️🙋
#exploreTNQ #exploreCairnsGBR
[ID: Two children standing in front of a lake-front tent with table and camper chairs set up, watching ducks in the water.]
There’s never a dull day at the beautiful @paronellapark! 🏰🌴 First opened to the public in 1935, this stunning castle has remained virtually unchanged since then 💫 Like something out of an old love story, this spot is truly a magical & unforgettable place nestled amongst the lush @wettropicsworldheritage rainforest, it’s the kind of place that you say you`ll drop in for a few hours & end up spending the whole day 🌿
🎥 @adventuringourownway #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #cassowarycoast
[ID: A series of video clips of Paronella Park, the ruins of a Spanish style castle built in the rainforest. The park has been taken over by lush plat life and grass. Text on screen reads POV: you stumble upon a castle that’s been reclaimed by a Queensland rainforest]
Today @leighton_videography brings us his favourite waterfalls in Tropical North Queensland! Which one is your fave? 🌴🦋
#exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
[ID: Clips of waterfalls in Tropical North Queensland. All are full and flowing. Waterfalls are Millaa Mill Falls, Behana Gorge, Davies Creek Falls and Windin Falls]
Don’t forget to catch the epic magic shows at @wildlifehabitat 🌴😌
[ID: Two wildlife keepers lift a blue sheet for a few seconds, then drop it to reveal an emu.]
We interrupt your scrolling to show you @visitpalmcove, nothing further, as you were 🌴🦋
📸 @tessa_jayne_ #exploretnq #explorecairnsgbr #palmcove #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
[ID:Palm trees line a sandy beach pathway at sunset, with a lone person walking and the ocean visible in the background.]
There’s so much to love about @lizardisland but the world famous “Cod Hole” is one of our favourites! Why? Because of these curious potato cods of course🐠
🎥 @tabithalipkin #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia
[ID: Woman diving on the Great Barrier Reef while a curious potato cod (large fish) is investigating her. Text on screen reads “POV: You make friends with a potato cod named Tater Tot at the Great Barrier Reef and she loves the camera. LOVES IT. She especially wanted to show you her spots…”See!? This is why they call me a potato cod! My spots look like potatoes!” “What’s personal space?!” “Hi again” “Can we take a picture before you leave?” Absolutely]
Nothing screams tropical like an island getaway & @bedarraisland should definitely be at the top of your list! 🏝🍹 Oh, did we mention all inclusive? 🍾 From private candlelit dinners on the beach, to fishing gear & kayaks, to meals & cocktails, the staff at Bedarra Island go above & beyond to make sure your luxury escape is unforgettable 🌴🌸 Not to mention the view is pretty great 😉 So, when will we see you here? 👋
🎥 @_markfitz #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #cassowarycoast
[ID: Aerial video panning over the beach on Bedarra Island. There are bright green palm trees and blue ocean waves lapping a white sandy shore. Text on screen reads: Amazing tropical beaches in Australia: Bedarra Island, Qld]
