Page 19 - Port Douglas Magazine 29

“Environmental impact is a big one for us so we have been reviewing all our printed materials, opting

for sustainable materials, lowering food miles by using local produce and also auditing our waste to
create a baseline which we will improve on year-on-year to reduce our contribution to landfill.

SP: I know it is difficult to visualize today as you Southern India. Thala is an all-encompassing PDM: And finally, what do you think attracts
look over a vast swathe of forest canopy, but in the family enterprise. people to the lodge?
early 70’s Rob grew sugar cane on the property, PDM: Why was FNQ chosen as the location? SP: I think the fact that we are located in such a
which had a 1700 ton assignment and he was SP: The best location in the world! And only beautiful private place so close to Port Douglas,
growing consistently many hundreds of tons over 40 minutes drive to the International Airport yet there’s the feeling you are on a secluded island.
this assignment. in Cairns, which is a vital consideration for Combine that with being an independent, family-
One day he received a ‘show cause’ notice from the economic success. owned hotel with the most amazing staff, a strong
Government to clear some 15 acres of rain forest PDM: Your father had a well publicised experience emphasis on nature and deluxe accommodation
behind the fore dunes. Rob refused to and as a with a Minke whale. Is this something he still talks and there’s the winning combination. Where
consequence his cane assignment was reduced as about? others may compete on price we focus ourselves
a penalty. This pocket of rainforest he protected SP: Rob is still a mad keen whale enthusiast and on service and experience.
is now a remnant of a rare type of vine forest that will bend your ear with his Dwarf Minke whale
only grows in very few specialised environments. encounters if you bring it up with him. Seriously, thalabeach.com.au
Thala Beach Nature Reserve is very privileged to his encounter is still very relevant in the ongoing
now be custodians of this today. This just goes to Dwarf Minke Whale story.
show how public policy has changed in less than PDM: Can you elaborate on what the lodge is doing
50 years! regarding maintaining its eco-friendly status.
Today the bureaucracy associated with the SP: We have recently removed all single use
environment would make it extremely difficult to plastics from the resort and on check-in we
allow something like Thala to evolve through the provide our guests with a complimentary food
building process to the nature reserve it is now. grade stainless steel water bottle. We encourage
PDM: What is the nationality of your family? Are them to fill it up and not to buy plastic bottled
there other members of the family likely to get water. We emphasize this is a good practice
involved, as you are? not only with us during their stay but on their
SP: We are all Australians. My sister and I were onwards travels. We have completely removed
born at the Calvary Hospital in Cairns. plastic water bottles, plastic drinking straws and
Rob was born in rural Wales and Oonagh in disposable coffee cups from the property.

PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 21