The world’s economies have all shown how fragile they can be, and then add a natural disaster and this can have devastating effects on a country. With the announcement of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games bid success we have a very real opportunity to diversify our tourism trade in south east Queensland. This subject is in constant discussion in the tourism industry and now we have a real chance of developing a new industry.
The proposed sustainable management for the Commonwealth Games can see a whole new green industry surface which all levels of government are apparently eager to develop. This industry is building in Europe in readiness for the London Olympics 2012 and is already being discussed in Brazil for the FIFA World Cup 2014 & Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in 2016.
With any type of sustainable management the key is how effective is the supply chain. Through this enormous gain we can be attracting sustainable suppliers to the Gold Coast, therefore diminishing the need to purchase products from overseas, which will reduce the events carbon footprint.
Note: Finding sustainable products and services for events on the Gold Coast to date has been an impossibility. I have been searching for Bio Diesel fuel & generators in SE QLD for an age and only just recently found a supplier for the fuel which by the way if he sells it, it must be sold as cooking oil because of red tape.
Industries take time to develop and sustainable industry which is so closely connected with the natural & social environment is no different. There needs to be a holistic approach to its development and discussions must begin now with key stakeholders. Sustainable event management can be a thriving industry and the basic ground work has already been researched and developed in Australia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Sport has shown us in the past that it can have a very powerful effect on its followers/fans and what better way to spread the message of caring for our environment than to main stream audiences.
Q. Are there any downfalls from major events?
A. YES, there can be enormous downfalls from major events such as increased pollution, costs for services and accommodation which can cause displacement of lower socioeconomic groups.
BUT if we learn from previous experience and adapt a sustainable approach these impacts will be greatly reduced and hopefully be a benefit to the community. If you have sustainable products or services aimed at the event industry we would like to hear from you.
So are we ready, steady…go Gold Coast? towards a sustainable tourist destination for all Gold Coasters and our visitors.
working with the planet
Greg Howell
