Our Commitment To The Environment
Environmental sustainability is an essential element of the vision and mission of the Park. Our environment is our number one asset so its conservation is a major priority.
The Gumnut Awards Program is an exciting environmental initiative from the Caravan & Camping Industry Association of NSW (CCIA) which offers a progressive rating scheme for CCIA’s holiday and tourist park members.
The program aims to protect and reflect the uniqueness of the Australian environment and culture. Participation in the program benefits not just the business and park operators, it benefits everyone involved; park visitors, holidaymakers, customers, residents, staff, the community and the environment will all be winners.
Gumnut Award Levels
• Bronze: For a park or business to achieve a Bronze Gumnut Award, their business must satisfy benchmark criteria from each of the 10 categories listed below. This self-assessment is audited by UWS experts.
• Silver: To achieve a Silver Gumnut Award, park management must develop an integrated Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and satisfy an additional 20 criteria (over the 10 categories).
• Gold: Attainment of Gold relies on significant progress and monitored outcomes from the EMP, as well as the development of a further 30 criteria. The UWS team carries out a site inspection before Gold is awarded.
Using the Gumnut’s as an Environmental Management Plan we are well on our way to making a considerable difference within our own community.
Attainment of Gold relies on significant progress and monitored outcomes from the environmental management plan (EMP), as well as the development of a further 30 criteria. The University of Western Sydney team carries out a site inspection before Gold is awarded.
To achieve Gumnut Award recognition we must meet strict objectives and prove continued commitment across ten areas of sustainability, below are some examples of our management plans;
1. Landscape
• Maintain existing endemic species found with the park
• To renovate and install new gardens that is not only aesthetically pleasing to our guests by providing a tranquil tropical feel to the park. They should also be functional from a maintenance and water perspective and include native plant where possible.
2. Water conservation & pollution prevention
• Reduce water usage in the amenity blocks
• To reduce water usage by mulching all garden within the park
• To reduce water usage by using the underground tank to replace evaporation
• To reduce water as well as sullage waste by replacing existing toilets with duel flush
3. Energy reduction
• Reduce the volume of power used in the park by 10%.
• Reduce power for the pool heating by using the solar heating in the warmer months rather than relying on the electric heater
4. Biodiversity conservation
• Introduce a weed eradication program
• To assist in educating guests with regard to our natural “flora & fauna” environment
• Provide a safe environment for wildlife within the park
• Wildlife education program
5. Air and noise pollution
• Reduce air pollution by eliminating wood fire BBQs throughout the park
• Create a smoke free park (or smoke free areas within the park)
6. Solid waste
• Develop a recycling program for aluminum cans
• Redesign the recycling station for cardboard, aluminum, plastic and green waste.
• Reduce general waste by recycling green waste
7. Responsible business practices
• Encourage all staff to participate in a community volunteer group
• Encourage interaction by providing a weekly gathering for the guests, staff and permanent residents in a social atmosphere
• Establish a social club to encourage team building, camaraderie as well as social outlet
8. Sustainable work practice
9. Local community
• To involve the local residences, park guests and staff in an annual “Plant a Tree” Day with the prospect of achieving a healthier environment for everyone to enjoy. We would also hope to increase general awareness of our community
• To build and grow relationships within our local community
• Increase the patronage for the local Tavern and provide an additional service for our guests
10. Safety and Emergency Response Planning
• Majority of staff to be qualified in senior first aid
• Develop and document the park emergency plan
As this is a progressive scheme which we have participated in since 2003, with our bronze level, and as such environmental issues has become part of the park’s culture. All staff members are involved not only in the environmental management plans for each of the areas but they are also involved with the submission for the award and the subsequent ongoing projects
EBHP has undertaken to educate the staff and also the visitors to EBHP in the importance of environmental strategies such as recycling, water management, energy saving and maintaining the flora and fauna. In the hope that is will not only enhance their time at EBHP but they will adopt such strategies in their home life.
