As a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Cairns is a popular ecotourism and events destination. Align your next event with the region's tropical, green identity with these simple sustainability steps.
Setting up for Sustainability
- Pick a venue with a small environmental footprint: seek out natural surrounds or a venue with sustainable design features to set your event a part. If you're not managing event waste, ensure they have clearly defined waste and recycling stations.
- Consider your suppliers: choose local providers and materials wherever possible.
- Reduce waste: Establishing waste and recycling bin stations and clear stallholder guidelines is proven to reduce unnecessary waste. Refer to the Waste Wise Event Fact Sheet ( PDF, 0.51 MB ) for more information. Food waste can also be avoided with careful consideration of catering levels and excess food can be diverted to local charities through OzHarvest Cairns.
- Encourage sustainable transport: include simple reminders to car pool, pointing out the nearest public transport and ensuring there is allocated, secure bike parking.
- Explore event stewardship: consider aligning your event with a local social enterprise or community group through an embodied or optional donation component to your tickets or at the gate. You could even negotiate extra volunteers from the benefiting group.
- Consider the clean up: littering is an offence in Queensland and can carry serious fines, so make sure your event is remembered for its experience, not what was left behind. Consider a dedicated team of volunteers or a cleaning company.
- Promote your actions: in the lead up to and after your event, let your patrons know about your sustainability ethos to benefit from additional marketing and recognition.
Tools
- Waste Wise Event: tips for waste reduction and effective waste and recycling management in the Waste Wise Event Fact Sheet ( PDF, 0.51 MB ).
- Waste and Recycling Signage: Council has created specific Event Signage ( PDF, 5.07 MB ), for common items including bio-plastics. Other signage is available from the Queensland Government.
- Water Station: to reduce bottled water consumption, portable water stations are available to hire at no cost. Download the Water Station Hire Form ( DOCX, 0.98 MB ) below.
- Ballot Butt Bin: to reduce cigarette butt litter, this bin lets smokers vote with their butt on a question of your choosing.Contact: sustainability@cairns.qld.gov.au to hire for free.
Support
If you'd like any further tips, get in contact with Council at: sustainability@cairns.qld.gov.au
