Etheridge Shire Council has reached a significant milestone in sustainable tourism, achieving Silver Certification under the EarthCheck Sustainable Destination Standard. As the first remote and rural council in Queensland to receive this prestigious recognition, Etheridge Shire's accomplishment reflects the culmination of an 18-month collaboration with the Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT) and EarthCheck.
Supported by a $145,000 grant from the Queensland Government's Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport, this initiative aligns with the state's Towards 2032 tourism strategy. This strategy aims to shape Queensland's visitor economy to meet ambitious goals, including a climate-positive Olympics in 2032 and a pathway toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
The GIFT project team, led by Dr Truc Le and involving Associate Professor Anna Kralj, Professor Brent Moyle, Professor Karine Dupre, Dr Brad Hill, Dr Maria Golubovskaya, and Dr Laura Lesar, provided expert guidance to Etheridge Shire on developing sustainable tourism practices that preserve its rich cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
Dr Sheila Peake, Project Manager, played an essential role in coordinating the certification process with Ms Renee Bester, Director of Corporate Services at Etheridge Shire Council.
Through EarthCheck's rigorous Destination Certification program, Etheridge Shire Council has been equipped with science-backed tools to monitor its environmental impact and support the long-term, sustainable growth of the region. This certification has provided the council with the insights and strategies needed to save resources, reduce costs, and protect the unique environment that defines the Shire.
EarthCheck founder Stewart Moore commended Etheridge Shire's leadership, stating, "As a remote, rural destination, Etheridge Shire faces more challenges than many destinations, but they have demonstrated leadership, commitment and ambition to deliver better outcomes for the community and the environment."
Mayor Barry Hughes shared his pride in the Shire's accomplishment: "Collaborating with Griffith University to achieve this certification places the Etheridge Shire amongst the world's leading environmentally friendly tourism destinations and demonstrates the commitment of council to a sustainable."
This program aligns with GIFT's commitment to producing innovative, impactful research that addresses industry needs, strengthens partnerships between businesses and government, and advances sustainability and resilience within the tourism sector.
GIFT Director, Professor Sarah Gardiner says, "Collaborating with communities like Etheridge Shire is at the heart of our mission at the Griffith Institute for Tourism. Through partnerships like this, we can drive meaningful change that not only benefits the environment but also empowers local communities to achieve sustainable growth."
