Council puts Livingstone on the map with Capricorn Coast ECO Destination Certification
Livingstone Shire Council was successful in securing a $150,000 grant to assist council in seeking the ECO Destination Certification and assistance in the certification process through Ecotourism Australia for the Capricorn Coast.
An Ecotourism Project Officer has been employed until June 2024 to carry out this certification process. The funding was sought through the Department of Tourism, Innovation, and Sport.
Destination certification assures travellers that certified destinations are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to ongoing improvement of sustainable practices and provide high quality tourism experiences within the region.
Portfolio Holder Water, Waste Management and the Environment, Councillor Andrea Friend said Livingstone Shire Council continues to punch well above its weight on the national and international stages in showcasing the Shire’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
“Only five other regions in Australia have been formally certified as ECO Destinations, including The Blue Mountains, Bundaberg, Port Douglas Daintree, Coffs Coast and Margaret River,” Councillor Friend said.
“The Capricorn Coast will join a global network of over 200 destinations, backed by the international Green Destinations framework.
“Approximately 105 criteria must be met across multiple areas to be certified as an ECO Destination, including Destination Management, Nature and Scenery, Environment and Climate, Culture and Tradition, Social Well-being, Business and Communication and Ecotourism criteria.”
Portfolio Holder of Vibrant Community, Councillor Rhodes Watson said the ECO Destination Certification was an accolade that was well sought after by regional areas.
“There are 12 other Queensland regions currently seeking destination certification as part of the grant scheme. This shows an ECO Destination Certification is prestigious with very few regions being awarded the honour,” Councillor Watson said.
“I’d like to thank Capricorn Enterprise who have partnered with Livingstone Shire Council and for strongly supporting our efforts to showcase our environmental credentials to domestic and international tourists.”
“I’d also like to acknowledge the hard work of Capricorn Caves, Pumpkin Island, Keppel Dive, High Valley Dawn Permaculture, Freedom Fast Cats and Coral Inn Boutique Resort who are ECO Certified operators within our region.”