Tourism Noosa’s environmental sustainability initiative, Trees for Tourism has delivered positive results for the region since partnering with event organisers to give back to Noosa’s environment.
Since its inception 3,930 trees have been planted, that will sequester 487 tonne of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The program supports Noosa and District Landcare’s rehabilitation projects, in particular on the Noosa Trail Network, revegetating several areas of the trail to provide shade trees for walkers, assist with erosion and improve the habitat for local koalas and other wildlife.
Tourism Noosa’s Head of Tourism Sustainability, Juanita Terry-Bloomfield said, “Noosa’s sponsored events donate a portion of ticket sales to Trees for Tourism.”
“The program was developed recognising the economic and social importance that events provide to the local community and our desire to find a positive way for events to give back environmentally.
“Partnering with Noosa and District Landcare was the perfect choice – one tree planted from Trees for Tourism on average will sequester 124 kg of CO2 in its lifetime. This means that one small seedling will absorb 124kg of CO2 in its lifetime.
“We have found many of our event organisers have embraced the program, sharing it with their event participants whilst others have used the tree planting as a team building day.”
Event Organisers of the Noosa Classic have been participating in the program since their event commenced and Event Director Angela McGlinchey said, “We love being involved in Trees for Tourism. It’s a great way for our event participants and us as an event organiser to give back to the community and we look forward to strengthening and continuing our support in 2022.”
Noosa District and Landcare Manager Phil Moran said, “Trees for Tourism shows that tourism and the environment are not mutually exclusive and it is great to see the tourism industry and event organisers contributing to improving our natural environment here in Noosa via this program.”
Events to date supporting Trees for Tourism include; Great Noosa Country Trail Walk, Noosa Classic, Noosa Eat and Drink Festival, Noosa Enduro, Noosa Festival of Surfing, Noosa Open Studios, Noosa Summer Swim, Noosa Triathlon, Sunshine Coast Comedy Festival, and Wild Women Adventure Race.
Other donations have been received from operators including Grill’d Noosa, Queensland Tourism Industry Council, some resorts and Tourism Noosa members at networking nights and visitors donating at the Noosa Inforamtion Centre also contributed to Trees for Tourism.
To donate to Trees for Tourism visit the Noosa Information Centre on Hastings Street, Noosa Heads.
