Backpacker launches EV shuttle

The Bounce EV shuttle ready for action. Supplied.

By Zero Emissions Noosa, Inc

Bounce Noosa continues to set the standard for sustainable practices with the addition of an electric shuttle service for guests.

From the beach and buzz of Hastings Street and Noosa Junction to the lush rainforests and impressive waterfalls of the Hinterland, exploring the sights of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve can now be achieved with zero tailpipe emissions, thanks to the Joylong E6, the first of its generation to hit the streets of Queensland.

“We are delighted to have been able to deliver Queensland’s first electric minibus to the team at Bounce Noosa,” said Pete White, company director of Bus Stop.

In just a four-hour window, the 86.1kWh liquid-cooled battery is charged to capacity in house, providing 300km of emission free travel for up to 12 guests at a time.

Featuring a 37.26kW solar system, Bounce Noosa has an estimated annual production of 59.967MWh. Providing a clean and sustainable travel option for close to 30,000 travellers per year, the Bounce Noosa shuttle service is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 16.7 tonne per annum.

“Congratulations to Bounce Noosa for introducing their emissions free shuttle service, a great step towards helping to reduce the 33 per cent of Noosa region’s transport emissions”, said Anne Kennedy, chair of Zero Emissions Noosa Inc.

“It’s a great example of how local tourism businesses are doing their bit to help to reach the Noosa region target of net zero greenhouse gases by 2026.”

Bounce Noosa is an award-winning boutique resort providing a unique combination of deluxe hotel suites and premium shared rooms ideally suited to groups, couples and solo travelers.

Located one block back from the Noosa River foreshore, the property was designed and constructed with the natural environment and energy efficiency front of mind. With cross ventilation orientation, the beach-club style resort utilises the natural environment to minimise the energy needed for heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting year round.

“We began researching this EV over 18 months ago, before it was even available in Australia.

“It is here now, and we are pleased to provide shuttle services for our guests,“ explained Mark Baldwin, director of Bounce Noosa.

“As a local owner operator with a young team servicing predominantly the youth market, the commitment to sustainable practices is crucial.

“We live and breathe it, so much so that we are always in search of what else we can be doing to better ourselves in this space.

“We are very lucky to have our general manager, Kerry Anderson, championing our sustainable journey. “With a genuine passion for waste-free sustainable living, Kerry does not accept anything less than the best sustainable practices which is so valuable to our brand.”

Bounce Noosa continues to achieve Plastic Free Noosa Champion status.

From paper-free operations, refillable milk bottles, waste sorting and recycling to an on-site mini orchard available to guests seeking fresh fruit and ingredients to use in the bar and kitchen and alternatives to single-use plastics are just some of the environmentally-friendly initiatives in place at Bounce Noosa.

“The extensive sustainable efforts of Mark and his team are commendable, particularly the elimination of 66,000 single-use amenity bottles and wrappers from circulation as a result of the refillable amenity strategy at Bounce Noosa – that’s just in the first 10 months of operation,” said Juanita Terry-Bloomfield, head of tourism sustainability and program design.

Sustainable travel is no longer the ambition of a few but of many.

Bounce Noosa continues to provide the perfect getaway for those seeking beach-club vibes without leaving significant environmental footprints when on holiday.

For all enquiries, please contact Mark Baldwin at mark@thetourism.co