Townsville has been named in the 2021 Global Top 100 Destination Sustainable Stories competition, alongside places such as Port Douglas, Kyoto, Alberta, and the Falkland Islands by global certification group Green Destinations.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said it is a privilege to make it to the Top 100 list for a second year in a row, the Top 100 team assess Townsville against 30 minimum sustainability standards as well as the submitted Good Practice Story. Achieving this prestigious global honour is not easy and demonstrates to us all that Townsville is more than just an industry city and port.
“This is the second year in a row where our city has been recognised for the work being done around the clock to promote and enhance the sustainability of the region,” Cr Hill said.
“We live in a beautiful part of the world that is surrounded by amazing nature and environmental conservation areas including the Great Barrier Reef world heritage area, the Wet Tropics world heritage area including Paluma Range National Park, and Bowling Green Bay RAMSAR Wetland of international Importance.
“In addition to that, we have our jewel in our crown Magnetic Island, the Town Common Conservation Park, Pinnacles National Park, Ross Dam Wetland of National Significance, the Clement State Forest Conservation Area, as well as the northern section of Wongaloo (Cromarty) Wetlands.
“The work that organisations, not-for-profits, businesses and governments put in to protecting, restoring, and enhancing these spaces is crucial for ensuring they flourish and that we continue to attract ecotourism to the region. This work in a time of COVID-19 has included working with three local businesses (two indigenous), and two not-for-profits (one indigenous) as well as employing up to 25 young people, mostly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, in the restoration of environmental areas within our city.”
Cr Hill said Townsville has joined other environmentally significant Australian regions such as Port Douglas, the New South Wales Central Coast and Margaret River.
“Australia is such a rich country when looking at our biodiversity and range of native habitats. It’s great to join the ranks of cities and regions that are doing their part to enhance sustainability across the country.
“It also plays a major role in promoting and boosting ecotourism for Townsville, with our city featured in the internationally recognised Good Travel Guide a second year in a row and online as a Global Top 100 Destination.”
The criteria for being listed as a Top 100 Destination include meeting 30 certified sustainability standards across of a range of categories, in addition to including a Top Quality Story demonstrating sustainability efforts in the region.
