Most communities in Australia face a significant challenge with waste management, as a community adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef we need to find ways to reduce waste to landfill. On August 2nd a group of our TTNQ Sustainability Leaders members, Adam and Jacinta from the Ports North Sustainability team, Mark, Harriet and myself set out on an excursion to explore innovative waste management and reduction strategies at both Small World Journeys and Cairns Airport.
This event was a wonderful opportunity for members to share their great work, their ideas and to begin conversations on collaborative work to tackle waste management across the destination.
We were transported between venues in style by one of Tropic Wings’ new electric coaches. General Manager Colin Anderson joined us, sharing insights into the EV opportunities that CaPTA is actively working towards. His enthusiasm for integrating sustainable transport solutions into their operations highlighted Tropic Wings broader efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and the coach was lovely and quiet too!
At Small World Journeys, we were welcomed by Director Laurie Pritchard and Sustainability Coordinator Hannah Kennedy. Their innovative waste management practices include meticulous recycling of soft plastics, composting of organics and advanced food waste reduction strategies. By closely tracking their waste output and data, they have achieved notable improvements across various waste streams. Their dedication extends to social impact, demonstrating that sustainability can also foster community benefits.
Our next stop at Cairns Airport was equally as impressive. Terminal Operations Manager Vicky Briscoe guided us through their state-of-the-art waste management facilities in the domestic terminal. We had a chance to view their food dehydrator and advanced waste separation systems, which provides clear recycling and waste management options for airport stakeholders and customers including solutions for coffee cup and organic waste. Cairns Airport has made significant contributions to local charities through the Containers for Change initiative and the food waste byproduct from their dehydrator is supplied to community gardens across the region.
These visits highlighted the importance of innovation and collaboration in tackling waste issues. Each quarter we will look to host an opportunity to meet with other TTNQ Sustainability Leaders to explore and discuss sustainability solutions and agendas in our destination.
In October we will be hosting a morning tea with Dr Denis Tolkach from JCU who will discuss recent research regarding the monitoring and evaluation of sustainability initiatives and data within tourism operations. It will be another great opportunity to connect and collaborate. Details will be published in the next Sustainability Leaders newsletter.
If your business would like to be included in the sustainability discussion or host/showcase the work you are doing please get in touch!
Nikki Giumelli
TTNQ Contractor