CARAVAN and tourist parks across Australia have been recognised for
their commitment to sustainability and environmental practice.
Seven have received awards this year for achieving the high standards
required to meet the Caravan & Camping Industry Association’s (CCIA)
Gumnut Eco Program.
CCIA NSW chief executive Lyndel Gray said that since its launch 12 years
ago, the program had helped over 280 businesses in the caravanning sector
identify and improve sustainability opportunities in areas such as water
and waste management, energy efficiency, landscape and design, corporate
responsibility and staff and community culture.
"We now have seven additional businesses on board, and we welcome them
into the program and congratulate them on their success," she said.
Parks which received award this year include:
Gold
Tathra Beach Family Park (NSW)
Countryside Caravan Park (NSW)
Silver
North Coast Holiday Parks Tuncurry Beach (NSW)
Bronze
Rainbow Pines Caravan Park, (Adaminaby NSW)
Brighton Caravan Park (SA)
Hidden Valley Tourist Park (NT)
Darwin FreeSpirit Resort (NT)
The Gumnut Eco Program was developed in conjunction with the University of
Western Sydney and has honoured members in every Australian State, with
membership continuing to grow each year.
The program applies to holiday parks, manufactured home villages,
manufacturers, retailers and suppliers who operate caravan and camping
related businesses.
It recognises a host of achievements from site design and presentation to
air and noise pollution standards and environmental stewardship.
"We are proud to provide a program that recognises businesses employing
practical solutions to reduce their environmental footprint and who are
good corporate citizens," Ms Gray said.
"We support them to improve their efforts.
"All businesses are independently assessed through a site inspection and
their membership must be renewed every two to three years ... ensuring their
business maintains standards and sets new goals to ensure there is
continuity and progression in sustainability.
"People can be sure that businesses displaying the Gumnut logo are focused
on environmental and socially responsible management and are businesses
employing practices with the future in mind."
For more information, visit www.caravan-camping.com.au
