The University of Queensland’s Moreton Bay Research Station will play host to the launch of the North Stradbroke Sustainable Tourism Action Plan as part of the inaugural “Caring for Straddie” weekend to be held June 11 to 13.
Redland Shire Mayor Don Seccombe will launch the document which has been developed by the community run North Stradbroke Island (NSI) Sustainable Tourism Committee.
“This is an important community initiative that deserves the council’s support,” Cr Seccombe said.
“Redland Shire Council is taking steps towards ecologically sustainable development through initiatives such as the Greenhouse local action plan.”
One of the recent initiatives of the NSI Sustainable Tourism Committee was to make North Stradbroke Island the first Queensland island to be plastic bag free.
To raise awareness of this important environmental issue, the weekend will conclude with a fun “Fashions in the Bag” competition held at the Point Lookout Hall on Sunday, June 13 at 10.30am where contestants have to find, make and model fashions made from discarded plastic bags.
Plastic bags are one of the biggest environmental concerns of Moreton Bay as marine wildlife are often entangled in discarded bags and also consume them.
“The last three sick turtles that were brought into the research station had plastic bags trapped in their digestive system and they all required specialist care,” said UQ Moreton Bay Research Station manager Kevin Townsend.
“To a turtle, a floating plastic bag looks like a jelly fish and they often end up eating them by mistake.
“We see first hand the devastating effects of plastic bags on the marine environment and that is why we are supporting this important local community initiative.”
The Action Plan outlines the community’s commitment to sustainable tourism on North Stradbroke Island and covers such issues as reducing and recycling wastes, maintaining local cultural diversity, reducing greenhouse gases while increasing local employment opportunities.
“Tourism is a growing industry on the island.” said NSI Sustainable Tourism Committee chairman Lynn Jones.
“The local businesses and community members recognised the importance of managing tourism development. We need to maintain Stradbroke’s unique environment and culture, while increasing local economic opportunities in a sustainable way.”
The weekend will include a series of workshops looking at everything from business sustainability and Green Globe 21 accreditation to creating a composting system in your back yard.
UQ Moreton Bay Research Station’s Education Officer Kathy Townsend will be running an interactive “Greenhouse Calculator” workshop.
“The workshop will give community members a chance to assess how their lifestyle contributes to greenhouse gas emission and pollution levels,” said Ms Townsend.
“More importantly, it will provide useful tips on how to reduce their environmental impact and save money at the same time.”
For further information contact Sarah Beattie at Stradbroke Island Tourism on (07) 3409 9555.
Media: For more information contact Kathy Townsend (telephone 07 3409 9058) or Sarah Beattie (telephone 07 3049 9555).
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