In October Douglas Shire, home to Australia’s World Heritage listed rainforest and Great Barrier Reef, was officially awarded GREEN GLOBE 21 Benchmarking, in recognition of its world class initiatives to achieve sustainability as a community and international tourist destination.
“We want to share our outstanding environment with the world, but in a way that preserves it for future generations,” said Douglas Shire Mayor, Mike Berwick. “GREEN GLOBE 21 provides an internationally recognisable brand, communicating Douglas Shire’s commitment to sustainable development and ecological conservation.”
Like many Local Governments, Douglas Shire faces the challenges of maintaining strong visitor numbers to provide economic prosperity, and at the same time limiting any negative impact the tourism industry may have on this unique and unspoiled destination. To assist in meeting these challenges, the Queensland State Government’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) partnered with the Douglas Shire to evaluate possible Benchmarking and Certification processes that could meet a strict definition for sustainable local communities.
“One of the long term commitments of our agency is to demonstrate to regional communities, true sustainability,” said Michael Young, EPA Senior Manager. “With the Douglas Shire we were able to rigorously assess GREEN GLOBE 21 and upon approving the system, then provide support for the roll out of the Benchmarking process. This project forms part of a successful model for regional sustainability that can help other Queensland Communities.”
The GREEN GLOBE 21 Benchmarking and Certification process, required the Shire to submit baseline data on 10 criteria including energy consumption, water quality, biodiversity conservation, waste management and best practice by tourism operators for the entire area.
In its first attempt at Benchmarking the Douglas Shire was able to meet the baseline criteria, with half of the indicators rated at world’s best practice or above.
“The GREEN GLOBE 21 system is underpinned by true scientific assessment and provides destinations such as Douglas Shire with an internationally recognised code of practice,” said GREEN GLOBE Asia Pacific Chief Executive, Graeme Worboys. “Douglas Shire and Queensland can now truly market their international environmental credentials. They have one of the ‘greenest’ destinations for all people of the world to enjoy.”
For further information please contact Kirsty Sherlock at Douglas Shire Council, telephone (07) 4099 9492
