Low Island in Great Barrier Reef World Heritage, the first island to be powered by renewable energies.
The GBRMPA’s Commonwealth Islands Program helped the island deliver on the triple bottom line through:
solar panels: the island moved from 100% fossil fuel supply to 97% renewable supply,through solar panels and recycled bio-diesel generators. The remaining 3% is gas used for cooking.
water tanks: enough were installed to ensure the island and its residents are provided with adequate rainwater during the drier months. Upgrade ofthe sewerage treatment plant to reduce its energy requirements.
the involvement oflocal suppliers, with the double benefit of using local knowledge of tropical environments, and building capacity to deliver future sustainability outcomes in the Great Barrier Reef and its communities.
Lessons learned from Low Island’s journey towards sustainability are now being used on other Commonwealth GBR islands such as Lady Elliott. Tourism operators are encouraged to follow Low Island’ssustainable example – it also all makes great financial sense!
Low Isles project
Source: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
