Solar power gives sustainable tourism a boost

8th Aug 2012

Tourism operators seem to be increasingly switching on to the benefits of solar power, as news trickles through that a Great Barrier Reef resort will be ramping up its already considerable solar technology capabilities.

Peter Gash, owner of Lady Elliot Eco Island Eco Resort off Bundaberg, has announced a raft of changes to boost solar power at the facility, following a similar project that led to a 70 per cent cut in diesel consumption four years ago.

Last month, Mackay councillor Theresa Morgan said the reef is critical to the region from economic, social and cultural perspectives – and it seems that people are listening.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) claims Lady Elliot is not the only service provider to be doing its part when it comes to sustainable tourism.

GBRMPA tourism and recreation director Chris Briggs said many businesses are working with local marine managers to reduce the adverse effects of visitors on the reef.

"A healthy Great Barrier Reef is vital for a healthy tourism industry and we commend operators who are taking action to minimise their impact on the marine environment," he explained.

Mr Gash stated that the existing solar system at the resort generated around 120kW hours of renewable energy per day, with a total capacity of 20kW.

The new changes will include adding 96 solar panels to buildings at the resort to double its capacity, while lowering Lady Elliot's diesel requirements to just 100 litres a day.

This is a marked difference to its earlier consumption, which was 550 litres each day when the resort was powered largely by generators.

And these changes aren't just affecting Lady Elliot's carbon footprint. Its owner suggests it is creating a completely different mind-set for people who are working or visiting the area.

"The fact that we are creating our own electricity has made staff and guests very conscious about the need to conserve power and not waste it. Apart from the obvious benefits for the Reef, this culture shift has been the most positive spin-off of all," Mr Gash said.

Having taken over the lease on the resort in 2005, the businessman partnered with the GBRMPA's Tourism Climate Change Action Group to address local concerns about the problems facing the reef.

This led him to do an energy audit – after which he decided to kick off a series of sweeping solar power changes in an effort to make his operations carbon neutral.

Posted by Mike Peacock

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Solar Power & Technology

Australia to be a part of huge Asian renewable energy growth
SunPower steps up to make solar more affordable
Canberra makes strides toward carbon neutrality
GTM puts solar's massive growth in perspective
Examining Australia's falling solar PV rooftop prices
Australia's shift toward renewable energy picks up the pace
Australia shines at solar decathlon
University of Queensland tapped as lead researcher on massive solar project
100 per cent renewable energy is possible in 10 years, environmental group says
Climate Commission releases report on solar progress
Aussie government actually shows spine for solar power
Be gone, skeptics: One million solar installations and counting
Australia embarks on its greatest solar journey ever
Australia looks to solar thermal for commercial success
Solar power helps King Island reach 100% sustainability
Australians 'heavy supporters of solar power'
Mildura solar plant officially unveiled
Solar power trumps other renewables in Australian minds
Sunshine Coast solar farm "fantastic initiative"
Sunshine Coast cashes in on namesake with solar plans
Energy storage 'could maximise solar power utility'
Solar powered family car - a world first?
Code of conduct for solar installers in the works
'Stop punishing households' for solar PV
Australian solar companies 'adjusting well'
Australian mining 'next solar frontier'
"Rooftop revolution" underway across Australia
Global PV market emerging from sluggish period
Royalla solar farm receives final approval
Leadership challenge a "debacle" for Australian solar power
Solar power giving global renewables a helping hand
Australia's largest CPV solar power plant up and running
Renewable energy misinformation "staggering"
CEC: Don't underestimate consumer desire for solar
Setting energy efficient examples on TV
Solar PV brightening up household bills
World's largest solar powered boat on the move
Climate change is heating up
The global solar power shift
New solar tech win for NSW
Industry orgs praise City of Sydney solar efforts
Clean Energy Council supports Regional Renewables scheme
Asian nations emerging as PV leaders
Solar PV demand continues to grow
Regional areas of Australia to receive more renewables
Australia's significant renewable energy growth
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
New funding for solar research
Find love with sustainable speed dating
New Victorian solar power deal
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: