BIG4 Atherton Woodlands

Eco Accreditation

NEWSFLASH: 23 DECEMBER 2011 BIG4 Atherton receives TQUAL Grant:   TQUAL Grants - Tourism Quality Projects is a highly competitive, merit-based grants program that aims to stimulate growth in the Australian tourism industry, by funding innovative, sustainable, high quality tourism projects.    The Program will contribute to tourism development in Australia, increase Australia's competitiveness as a tourism destination and enhance visitor dispersal and tourism expenditure throughout Australia.  It will do this by supporting initiatives that are in line with the National Long Term Tourism Strategy, to develop innovative products, services or systems within the tourism industry and contribute directly to long-term economic development in the host region.  BIG4 Atherton will receive funding to assist with the installation of two solar powered cottages, being a first for a Tourist Caravan Park in the Far North QLD Region and in particular on the Southern Tablelands.  This is a very exciting project for our Park and we will keep you posted as works progress.  It is hoped that the cottages will be fully operational for Christmas 2012.

November 2011: BIG4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park is very proud to have achieved Eco-Certification for Nature Based Tourism.  The Eco Certification logo is a globally recognised brand which assists travellers to choose and experience a tour, attraction, cruise or accommodation that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.   In order to achieve this certification BIG4 Atherton Woodlands Tourist Park was required to meet specific criteria addressing the core principals of ecotourism including:

  • Minimising waste and implementing a recycling program throughout the Park
  • Purchasing locally and in bulk
  • Implementing the use of recycled paper in our office and having a “no print email” policy
  • Having a responsible marketing program
  • Implementing an Environmental Policy for our cabins and Park facilities
  • Ensuring that water saving devices are used throughout the Park
  • Measuring and tracking our carbon footprint
  • Working with Greening Australia to help reduce our carbon emissions; and
  • Working with and supporting our local community.

 Encouraging our guests to help reduce carbon emissions:

We ask that our guests consider the environment when travelling, whether it be by using energy saving appliances, reducing waste and litter and recycling or using products which are environmentally friendly.  When filling the car with fuel, please consider options which are kinder to the environment.  If using walking tracks, stay on the path and remember to take your rubbish with you. We also encourage you to visit or stay with another operator who has also received this Accreditation.

There are many, many ways in which we can help the environment.  Climate Change  is a continual “work in progress” but if each of us make a conscientious effort to do want we can … the environment will be all the better for it.

If you would like to know more, we encourage you to visit the following sites:

Ecotourism Australia – www.ecotourism.org.au/climate_action.asp

Climate Action Certification – www.sustainabletourismaustralia.com

Please continue to visit our website for updates as we measure our carbon footprint,  work with Greening Australia, and also of course, install our two solar powered cottages.