Sustainable - Hobsons Bay

Chapter 4
S U S TA I N A B L E TO U R I S M
Sustainable tourism has the potential to create vibrant
and economically healthy communities. However
there is growing concern within some communities
about the potential negative impacts of tourism. This
concern has increased in line with the rapid growth
in mass tourism globally over the past 30 or so years
(while noting a more recent contraction in domestic
tourism and a slow down in international visitation to
Australia (see chapter 5).
As a result of the
growing awareness of the
environmental and social
impacts of tourism it is
now generally accepted that
tourism planning should take
into account the potential
social and environmental
impacts as well as the
economic benefits of tourism
development activities.
The emergence of the term ‘sustainable tourism’
is now used to describe this more broadly based
approach to tourism development. It can be defined as
economic development that will not impede the ability
of future generations to meet their needs and enjoy a
comparable or better quality of life and environment.
The emphasis is on tourism that considers cultural
factors, and fosters and supports conservation and
ecologically responsible development. It means
adopting tourism planning principles that increase
both visitor satisfaction and improvements to the
community.
In regional Victoria, Beechworth is a good example of
sustainable tourism development. By being innovative
and embracing tourism, Beechworth has transformed
from a contracting community based on institutional
employment to a major tourism centre with a growing
population and employment opportunity and diversity. 1
From an environmental perspective, travel and tourism
were identified in Agenda 21 2 as one of the few
industries that have the potential to make a positive
contribution to a healthier planet.
The environmental benefits of tourism include:
• The opportunity to communicate the value of
natural and built heritage and of cultural
inheritance to residents.
• Enhancement of the natural and built
environment to meet rising quality standards
necessary to sustain modern tourism.
• Providing the incentive for environmental
enhancement or rehabilitation of areas such as
town/city centres and old industrial sites,
including the creation of employment in these
areas.
• Cost savings to individual tourism businesses
through the adoption of waste and energy
minimisation practices.
• Protecting and creating economic value for
resources which otherwise have no perceived
value to residents, or represent a cost rather than
a benefit.
• Raising awareness of environmental issues and
stimulating tourists to advocate for conservation
through education and interpretation.
Environmental appreciation can in turn enhance
visitor enjoyment.
The practical aspects of applying a sustainable
development policy are reflected in Council’s City
Plan 2005–2008. The plan uses a triple bottom line
approach that focuses on achieving best practice by
balancing economic, social and environmental goals
and accomplishments so as to ensure the future
sustainability of the municipality. 3
The City Plan supports sustainable economic
development and tourism opportunities. More
specifically, Council strategies support economic
development and tourism opportunities that:
Table 1: Hobsons Bay key sustainable development objectives and strategies
OBJECTIVE
To maintain and enhance the
natural and built environment
for today and future
generations.
Protect existing
neighbourhood
character and ensure
appropriate future
development.
STRATEGY
• Enhance the urban environment through the greening of
the Municipality.
• Protect our natural environment and move towards more
sustainable use of resources.
• Provide a quality open space network across the
municipality and promote our unique coastal parklands.
• Ensure environmentally responsible & effective waste
management and recycling practices.
• Manage increased growth and development and ensure our
strategies reflect heritage values and neighbourhood
character.
• Appropriately manage the implementation of Melbourne
2030.
A 2004 report by the Williamstown, Newport and Spotswood
Residents’ Association into the community’s attitude to tourism
(amongst other related topics) highlighted strong community
support for sustainable tourism development in the municipality. 4
The key findings and recommendations of the report are reflected in this Plan.
• Capitalise on Hobsons Bay’s natural assets.
• Create high value employment opportunities.
• Promote and enhances community pride and
sense of belonging.
• Promote the artistic and cultural life of the City.
The commitment to sustainable development is
reflected in Council’s key development objectives and
strategies for 2005/09, as noted in the following table.
1
Victoria’s Tourism Industry Strategic Plan 2002-2006. Tourism Victoria. pps 11-13.
2
Op cit. p 13. Agenda 21 is a program of action adopted by 182 governments at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment
and Development (UNCED) Earth Summit.
3
Hobsons Bay City Plan 2005 - 2008.
4
From The Bridge to the Beach - Towards Sustainable Local Tourism. Williamstown, Newport & Spotswood Residents Assoc Inc. June 2004. Refer
Attachment 2. Literature review for further details.
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