Our Promise of Greater Good
….is about continually improving as an industry and region, as well as introducting 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.
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 grants 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
Business Advice
Queensland Government Climate Action Resources for the Tourism Industry – Actions your business can take to increase profitability, capitalise on future opportunities, become more sustainable and manage climate risk
Grants
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 (ZEV)
Green Initiatives – Assitance programs, grants, incentives, awards and subsidies for individuals, groups, community networks and businesses
Programs and Tools
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
Grants and Program Finder – This guided search will help you find grants, funding and support programs from across the government
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 new sustainable economic growth and future-facing industry development
Regional Economic Futures Fund – A new program to support communities in seizing industry development opportunities presented by global decarbonisation
Climate Active – An Australian government-business partnership promoting voluntary climate action, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices
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
ecoBiz Queensland – One of the biggest expenses for business is water, energy and waste bills. Through ecoBiz, you can save your business money, while also making your operation more sustainable
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 to halve 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.
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 EarthCheck’s online calculator you will understand your carbon footprint, manage, and reduce your emissions more effectively than ever before. Signing up is free for TTNQ members and measuring your footprint can be done in three easy steps below.
1. Sign-up free to 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
#EXPLORETNQ
Hello from #CapeTribulation in @portdouglasdaintree 🌴✨
Have you ever been to the ancient Daintree Rainforest? 💚
📸 @ashhughesphotos #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #portdouglasdaintree #rainforest #daintree

Open your ears and hear the incredible sounds of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest 🌴💚✨
🎥 @queensland #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR

Another day another waterfall - this time we`re at Fairy Falls 🧚✨ Off the beaten track & tucked away in the rainforest near #CrystalCascades, this stunning waterfall is just as magical as its name so be sure to add it to your bucket list 🩵🌴
📸 @camandgeorgia #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #cairns

Time for a quick biology lesson 🧑🔬
The Pygmy Seahorse is a master of disguise, able to mirror the textures and colours of the coral they live in 🪸 Since these seahorses are too small to fend off predators, they change colour to mimic their environment and become almost invisible! 😮
Did you know that these guys often spend their entire lives in one particular coral? 🌊🐚
📸 @pablocogollos_photography #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR

#CapeYork season might be over for the year, but that just means it`s the perfect time to start planning next year`s adventure!
Head to our bio link to explore road trips ☝️
📸 @jack.and.megan #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia

New pics from the set of Jurassic Park…oh wait, no that’s just Hinchinbrook Island 🌴🦖
Located in @cassowarycoastaustralia, Hinchinbrook Island is the most southern island in Tropical North Queensland, but it`s not hard to see why it`s one of our favourites! 🙌
📸 @schmidtdogg_ #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #cassowarycoast

@silkyoakslodge is putting a new spin on ‘feeling green’ 🌴💚
If you like your rainforest wilderness with a side of luxury, this is the place for you!
Set deep in the rainforest of @portdouglasdaintree, Silky Oaks really delivers following its multimillion dollar rebuild, with dreamy treehouses & an idyllic onsite spa 🧖♀️✨
Don’t forget to take a dip in your very own balcony bath 💦
📸 @wanderlands_ #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #portdouglasdaintree #silkyoakslodge

Have you ever spotted a majestic cassowary in the wild? 🌴✨🐦
🎥 @artlife.films #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR

Get down & dirty on one of the country’s most spectacular 4WD trails, the CREB Track 🚘🌴
Click the bio link to explore more road trips ☝️
📸 @paullorenzofnq #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR

Talk about a family adventure! Say hello to the Family Islands group, including the incredible Wheeler Island 🏝🐠 You’ll find this stunner off the coast of #MissionBeach in the @cassowarycoastaustralia 🦋🌴 From fishing & adventure to a lavish luxury on a secluded island, this cluster of tropical goodness is one for the bucket list! 🎣🌺
📸 @reags.and.danni #exploreTNQ #explorecairnsGBR #cassowarycoast
