Luxury country retreat Hazelwood Estate in Queensland's famed Scenic Rim region is harnessing cutting-edge renewables technology on a pathway to become Australia's first carbon positive hotel by 2023.
The lodge, which opened in September last year, is installing a Vanadium redox flow battery to allow excess electricity produced by solar panels to be stored and used even when the sun is not shining.
Daily solar generation exceeds Hazelwood's current energy requirements but cannot be stored for evening usage.
The supply of a Vanadium battery through a partnership with Queensland-based mining company Vecco Group will allow the property to go completely off-grid.
As Vecco Group Managing Director Tom Northcott explains, the usage of Vanadium batteries supports the global movement towards decarbonisation, a key focus of the travel industry as smart travellers increasingly command sustainability.
"Green energy projects, such as the Vanadium battery installation at Hazelwood, will allow renewables to become a large part of a lower carbon future. Previously, the application of Vanadium batteries was confined to electricity utilities and industrial companies. Hazelwood is truly a leader in sustainable tourism," Northcott said.
Green building principles were also embedded in the estate's design and construction; however, this isn't something that comes at a cost to the guest experience.
A large solar farm was cleverly constructed on the roof of the horse stables nearly 1km away from the estate's main operations allowing the production of clean energy without impacting on aesthetics.
The build also saw the planting of over 6,000 trees, including native plants, to rejuvenate soil biology and the restoration of the once derelict dairy farm using regenerative farming practices including carbon sequestering.
By switching to regenerative practices without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers and bringing back grazing animals on the land to mimic natural cattle migration, the property is working to restore soil health, enabling nature to rebalance carbon levels.
The resort has over 600,000 litres of water storage onsite, with all water used being harvested rainwater.
Reducing a reliance on fossil fuels is something the retreat embraces across the board including in its signature restaurant.
The Paddock is one of only 15 Queensland restaurants listed on The Good Fish Project – an initiative by the Australian Marine Conservation Society which guides diners on restaurants committed to removing unsustainable seafood from their menus.
Executive Chef Simon Furley works closely with suppliers to ensure the supply chain is at the very least carbon neutral and all ingredients are sourced from South-East Queensland aside from oil, salt and flour.
Furley says Hazelwood's pristine location in the Scenic Rim, named in Lonely Planet's top 10 'must-visit' regions to visit in 2022 globally, is a constant reminder of the importance of environmental conservation.
"We are right next door to the world heritage-listed Lamington National Park and some of the most untouched rainforests on earth, why not make a difference if you have the opportunity? My ethos is simple, if it's not from here it's not on here – we have an unwavering focus on sustainable, ethical, seasonal cooking," Furley said.
Visitors and guests are also immersed in the retreat's passion for the environment.
Experiences and activities are centred around environmental education including market garden tours and bushwalking trails with natural journaling and beekeeping tours to be added to the resort's offering in the coming months.
E-bikes and electric golf carts also provide a fun, sustainable transport option for visitors to explore the property.
In a major international coup, the Scenic Rim has been named by global travel authority Lonely Planet as one of the hottest destinations to visit in 2022! Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2022 names the top 10 countries, cities and regions to visit next year, with the Scenic Rim the only Australian inclusion. This edition places particular emphasis on best sustainable travel experiences and named the Scenic Rim 8th in the Top 10 Regions.
Hazelwood Estate
WHERE – 422 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont, Queensland. 90 mins from Brisbane and 40 mins from the Gold Coast.
OPENED – 1 September, 2021
ROOM TYPES (Sleeps 44 guests total)
- 3 Luxury Pavilions (sleeping up to four guests)
- 17 King Farm Cabins (sleeping up to two guests), Accessible Cabin available
THE PADDOCK RESTAURANT
- LUNCH – From 12noon Thursday to Sunday
- DINNER – From 5.30pm Wednesday to Sunday
ACCOMMODATION & RESTAURANT BOOKINGS
