The Hon Martin Ferguson MP, Minister for Tourism, and Julie Collins, Member for Franklin, have announced Budget funding of $166,000 for an innovative new tourism project for the Huon Valley which will enhance the sustainability of the local tourism industry.
The Green TEA project – A Tourism Environmental Audit – will be the first of its kind in Tasmania.
Minister Ferguson said: "This innovative project will provide the more than 40 tourism operators in the Huon Valley Kingborough area an environmental audit program designed to encourage businesses to implement environmental best practice.
"It is a project with the potential to be rolled out to other tourism operator's right around the State."
The project aims to up-skill participating operators and encourage them to implement environment best practice and then evaluate their outcomes.
It will encourage participating operators to implement practices aimed at reducing energy and water consumption, and non-recyclable waste.
Julie Collins said: "This exciting new project will teach participating tourism operators environmental best practice.
"With the promise of accreditation if the businesses are able to meet specific conditions after a year of training, this is not only good for the environment but also good for operators themselves."
The project will provide tourism operators from wineries, eateries and bed and breakfasts in the region with the training, mentoring and continual on-line support necessary to improve environmental practices and outcomes.
Ms Collins commended the work of the Huon Valley and Kingsborough Tourism Association, for bringing the project together.
Media contact: Michael Bradley – 0420 371 744