QHA_August-2021-Digital

FEATURE
QHA REVIEW | 20
Brett Kelly and David Anderson lead Thala’s
environment team and have spearheaded Thala’s
forest rehabilitation since the beginning of the resort’s
journey.
“Where exotic weeds were extensively removed, they
were replanted with local natives,” Brett said.
“Lots of plants were propagated on-site with a
preference for bird and butterfly host plants.
“This has significantly boosted observed bird species,
our current bird species sighting list is around 194 and
growing.
“Thala now has a markedly improved biosphere which
has encouraged new populations of echidnas and
increased numbers of spiders and native bees.”
Green Ant numbers have increased too and have
been used on occasion for wasp control for the last 15
years.
“One good green ant nest will take out a wasp nest,”
Brett said.
The resort itself includes a main lodge which is home
to the reception area and Osprey’s Restaurant which
sits high among the treetops with views to the ocean.
There are 83 rooms on offer, scattered throughout the
property in the form of treetop bungalows of different
sizes and configurations, capable of holding two to
four guests at once.
It has obtained the highest accreditation of ecocertification
from Eco Tourism Australia and the team
are continuously focused on finding ways of minimising
the resort’s environmental impact.
Plastic bottles, straws and re-usable coffee cups have
been removed from the property to reduce landfill,
and guests are now provided with a complimentary
stainless steel water bottle upon check in and
encouraged to re-fill it, not only during their stay
at Thala, but also on their onward journey to other
destinations.
They have also adopted a preference for local
ingredients at Osprey’s Restaurant which has lowered
food miles. Wastewater is treated on site, and there is
a big focus on sharing and acknowledging the local
indigenous culture.
“Travelling, as pioneers, along our chosen path as
eco-developers has rewarded us with a rich sense of
achievement,” Rob Prettejohn said.