Ecotourism
Paperbark Camp - Minimising our impact on the environment
Our objective is to provide a unique and genuine Australian bush experience that is both ecologically and financially sustainable. The sustainable nature of our development was something that evolved naturally out of a desire to maintain the natural peace and beauty of the pristine environment we chose for the camp. After a full Environmental Impact Study was conducted as part of the planning approval process, many stringent requirements had to be met to satisfy concerns of various authorities, an arduous but ultimately worthwhile process that took four years.
Paperbark Camp has had accreditation and more recently advanced accreditation with the Ecotourism Association of Australia since opening in 1999. By continuing to operate a small, low impact and niche operation that caters to those who want to get back to nature, we hope that those who stay with us will seek out similar accommodation when next choosing a holiday and will perhaps think more seriously about their own day to day impact on the environment.
Measures taken to reduce our environmental impact include:
- Architect designed buildings in sympathy with the landscape.
- Tents have solar powered electric 12 volt lighting.
- Only natural ventilation is used, no air conditioning.
- No large trees have been removed.
- Shower heads are low flow.
- Toilets are dual flush.
- Hot water heated on demand only, by gas
- Light sensitive timer switches for public lighting.
- Low energy use compact fluorescent bulbs
- Revegetation of areas affected by the development.
- No fencing to maintain the wildlife corridor.
- Driven piles and shallow foundations only- all buildings are built off the ground
- Continuous removal of exotic species - inc. blackberry and asparagus fern
- Guest vehicles kept away from the camp,
- Use of electric powered buggy
- Strict adherence to the local Council recycling programs.
- Use of recycled paper products where possible.
- Rainwater used when possible
- To protect the fragile wetland ecosystem, wastewater is pumped 900 metres from the site and processed by Council treatment works. The pumping system is protected by no-flow and level alarms.
- Biodegradable cleaning agents are used.
- Canoes, kayaks and bicycles are provided free for guest use.
- No intentional feeding of wildlife
"A role model for future tourism on the South Coast ": TOURISM NSW
