Page 97 - Port Douglas Magazine 29

ECO TOURISM
Users will be able to walk the trail from Port Douglas to Wangetti Beach
over six days or bike from Wangetti Beach to Palm Cove in one day, or up
to three days for the full trail.
Delivering an iconic ecotourism experience like the Wangetti Trail requires
extensive planning and engagement, with multiple stakeholders and
environmental considerations.
The State Government’s Member for Cook Cynthia Lui expects the trail to
be finished by 2022.
“We want to ensure that treasured natural and cultural assets on and around
the Wangetti trail are protected, conserved and presented for the enjoyment 2019-20 BUDGET
of current and future generations,” Ms Lui said.
Environmental & Tourism
“We want authentic ecotourism adventure experiences with quality
accommodation and amenity for visitors.”
Douglas Shire Council has recognised the potential in the ecotourism space Highlights
and is positioning the region to become Australia’s leading sustainable
tropical destination.
The hugely popular Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail, which connects Four Investment in Tourism and Events
Mile Beach and Rex Smeal Park, is a shining example of how these
environmentally friendly projects can become drawcards for the region. $810,000
Last year, the local tourism industry received a big green tick when it secured
a place in a global top 100 list of most sustainable destinations. Initiatives
The Shire was the only Australian region to feature in the exclusive list
• Wangetti Trail
and Council received the worldwide achievement at the Global Green
Destinations Conference in the Netherlands. • Implement a Cape Tribulation transfer station
A recent study by global online booking giant, Trekk Soft, confirmed the • Sustainable Events Policy
rise of consumer preferences for sustainable tourism options.
• Plastic Free Douglas strategy.
The study revealed 55% of global travellers were determined to make
sustainable travel choices, with 73% determined to stay in eco-friendly or • EcoDestination Accreditation program.
green accommodation.
• "Butt it Bin it" program
Council also plans to offset its carbon footprint for the next three years
under a landmark Healthy Reef Partnership with Qantas, Tourism Port • 2020-2025 Corporate Sustainability Strategy
Douglas Daintree and GreenCollar.
• Healthy Reef Partnership – carbon neutral
The partnership is the first of its kind in Australia.
• Port Douglas Waste Water Treatment Plan
Council recently made changes to its events policy to encourage event
organisers to be more environmentally sustainable. Solar Energy feasibility study
Mayor Leu said a strong environmental charter was vital to marketing the
Douglas Shire.
Customer Service Centre
“Council will continue striving to protect our most precious natural assets
64-66 Front Street, Mossman
because our tourism industry depends on it,” Mayor Leu said.
(07) 4099 9444
“With spectacular natural areas such as the Daintree Rainforest, Great
Barrier Reef and Mossman Gorge at our fingertips, Council continues douglas.qld.gov.au
to invest in destination marketing and popular events like Port Douglas
Carnivale to draw more visitors to our region.”

PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 99