QHA_August-2021-Digital

FOCUS
SUSTAINABILITY AT SPICERS
Radically reduce waste, energy emissions and water
use over the next 10 years.
Those three elements are at the heart of the new
Environmental Sustainability Master Plan released by
Spicers Retreats and the Turner Family Foundation
earlier this month as they plot a path to a greener future
for their business.
With the aim of leaving their part of the world in
“better shape” the Spicers Retreat owners plan to use
conservation, land and wildlife rehabilitation, substantial
investment and courageous leadership to achieve their
goals.
The Turner Family’s assets include farming properties,
nature and conservation refuges, ecotourism ventures,
the Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre and Spicers Retreats –
a group of 10 luxury retreats in idyllic locations across
Queensland and NSW.
The ambitious goals set by the business include 100%
zero net emissions from energy by 2030, a 50%
reduction in water usage by 2025 and 100% single-use
free with zero net waste to landfill by 2025.
Explaining the basic philosophy of its green mission
in the 2021 Environmental Sustainability Master
Plan the business says simply: “We will reduce the
environmental impact our operations have on the planet
and inspire and encourage each other, our business
partners and guests to do the same”.
On the power front, programs already underway
include retrofitting of energy efficient lighting at
Spicers Peak Lodge, the Spicers Scenic Rim Trail
Hydrogen Project in conjunction with the Queensland
Government and solar power installations at Spicers
Peak Lodge and Spicers Hidden Vale.
Water saving activities already in progress include the
use of meter technology in all off-grid locations, water
use audits at specific properties, water infrastructure
for Spicers Hidden Vale and active participation in
the Hunter Valley Private Irrigation District water
catchment at the Spicers Vineyards Estate and Spicers
Guesthouse.
QHA REVIEW | 27