Operating a premier ferry service to Dunk Island and onwards to the outer reef. QuickCoast offers visitors an unforgettable up close and personal small group adventures along Queensland’s Cassowary Coast.

Their fast cat ferry service provides seamless access to these pristine destinations, allowing travellers to explore lush national parks, palm-fringed beaches, and vibrant marine ecosystems. From guided snorkelling safaris at Beaver Reef to private charters to Bedarra Island, QuickCoast delivers eco-conscious adventures that showcase the natural beauty of the region.

With a commitment to sustainable tourism, QuickCoast undertook the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard as a first step on their sustainability journey. Their participation in the program was supported through funding from the Cassowary Coast Regional Council who have recently achieved ECO Destination Certification and has been actively advancing sustainability initiatives by assisting local operators in their sustainability journey.

QuickCoast gained valuable insights into its sustainability performance through the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard. The assessment confirmed that the company is already implementing strong environmental practices and reaffirmed its commitment to responsible tourism.

By actively supporting local wildlife conservation, the business assists in sea creature rescue and rehabilitation while offering discounts to locals who participate in cleanup efforts at visited destinations. As a valued part of the local community, QuickCoast sponsors charity events, school fundraisers, and sporting activities, while fostering partnerships with tourism operators to enhance regional tourism and reduce carbon emissions.

The business also excels in conservation efforts, minimising visitor impacts and supporting native wildlife rehabilitation. Waste reduction initiatives include avoiding single-use plastics and excessive packaging, prioritising bulk purchasing, and repurposing materials where possible. QuickCoast further enhances guest experiences by providing hands-on cultural training for staff in collaboration with Indigenous artists and environmental experts, ensuring a deeper appreciation of the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

With support from regional and state partners, QuickCoast is on track to further elevate its sustainability credentials. The business is committed to refining its environmental strategies and working toward ECO Certification, reinforcing its role as a champion in sustainable tourism along the Cassowary Coast. By participating in the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, QuickCoast has taken a significant step toward long-term environmental stewardship while continuing to offer world-class marine experiences to visitors from around the globe.

QuickCoast completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 28 May 2024. The scorecard is not a certification and is valid for 12 months upon completion.

Nestled in the serene village of Canyonleigh, Canyonleigh Retreat offers a tranquil escape in the heart of the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.

Guided by a deep commitment to sustainability, and with funding support from Destination New South Wales, Canyonleigh Retreat engaged with the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard to evaluate its environmental and social impact and identify opportunities for improvement. The Scorecard assesses the four pillar of sustainability – Sustainable Management, Environmental, Socio-economic and Cultural Impacts and provided Canyonleigh Retreat with a structured framework to evaluate and advance its sustainability efforts.

“Our primary reason for undertaking the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard was to strengthen our dedication to sustainable practices. We wanted a thorough evaluation to help us better understand our current impact, pinpoint areas for growth, and drive us towards adopting more environmentally friendly and socially responsible actions that align with our core values,” said Kushma Chand, Director at Canyonleigh Retreat

The Scorecard report provided valuable insights, allowing the team at Canyonleigh Retreat to evaluate different sustainability areas and gain a clearer understanding of their current standing.

Kushma explained, “the report was incredibly insightful. It helped us assess each section closely and identify both new requirements and areas of strength. We were pleased to see Sustainability Management highlighted as one of our key strengths. Following the report, we’ve connected with key individuals to shape our sustainability goals and work towards becoming a certified ecotourism operator.”

With the insights gained from the Scorecard, Canyonleigh Retreat has already started making improvements and setting goals for long-term sustainability. Some of these improvements include, introducing an eco-friendly woodfired fire tub as an alternative spa option and installed a solar-powered swimming pool to enhance its sustainability efforts. The on-site café has become a vibrant community hub, supporting crop bartering and offering seasonal, organically grown meals. Strengthening its cultural connections, Canyonleigh Retreat has partnered with the Aboriginal Leaders Group and will proudly host their upcoming conference. Additionally, the retreat is launching its Food Independence Workshops, aimed at educating guests on growing their own food and transitioning to a more sustainable future.

“Our next steps involve working towards certification with Ecotourism Australia. More importantly, we’ve already initiated actions in key areas that needed improvement. While this process is ongoing, we continue refining our existing practices, recognising that sustainability is a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship,” remarked Kushma.

By completing the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, Canyonleigh Retreat has strengthened its commitment to sustainability and taken a significant step toward achieving globally recognised certification. The Scorecard empowers tourism businesses to embed sustainable practices into their operations, contributing to a greener future. With the support of Destination New South Wales who funded Canyonleigh Retreats Scorecard and our founding partner, Tourism Australia, we continue to champion the Strive 4 Sustainability program—encouraging more businesses to embrace sustainability and enhance their impact on the tourism industry.

You can learn more about Canyonleigh Retreat and book your visit here.

Canyonleigh Retreat completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 19 August 2024. The scorecard is not a certification and is valid for 12 months upon completion.

The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of koalas in the wild.

In partnership with the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, the sanctuary provides care for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas in the region. It promotes sustainability through recycling programs, a ‘Return and Earn’ initiative, and the reduction of single-use plastics by offering bulk amenities and reusable water bottles. The landscaping features native plants that require less water, supporting the local ecosystem.

One of the many highlights is The Sanctuary Story Walk, a 250-meter immersive pathway designed to offer visitors of all ages a captivating and educational journey into the world of koalas. This engaging attraction deepens appreciation for these iconic creatures while fostering a greater understanding of their importance in the face of growing environmental challenges.

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary received a complimentary Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, thanks to the partnership between Destination NSW and Ecotourism Australia. 

The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard is a pre-certification bench marking tool assessing businesses against the 4 Pillars of Sustainability: Sustainable Management, Environmental, Socio-economic, and Cultural Impacts and is based on globally recognised sustainability criteria.

James Cook, manager of Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary stated,“The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program has helped align our operations with sustainable practices. This initiative has enhanced our conservation efforts and demonstrated our commitment to preserving koalas and their natural habitat for future generations. The sanctuary aims to further improve its sustainability practices and continue providing extended care opportunities for a diverse range of native Australian wildlife in the Port Stephens region.”

“Being relatively new in the conservation and preservation of wild species space, participation in Ecotourism Australia’s Strive 4 Sustainability program ensured that the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary navigated correctly through this vitally important business improvement,” said Mr. Cook. 

When Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard, they received a detailed report providing a snapshot of their current sustainability practices, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. They plan to use these insights to identify opportunities for further enhancing their sustainability efforts.

You can learn more about Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary and book your visit here. 

• Introduce a balanced structure of member-elected Directors (maximum 5) and Board-appointed Directors (maximum 4)
• Update Director terms from 2 years to 3 years, with a maximum of two terms (6 years total)
• Meet current regulatory requirements for a Company Limited by Guarantee
• Be modernised and contemporary to meet Ecotourism Australia’s strategic imperatives and our objectives
• Provide a streamlined and concise governance framework.