Sustainability Plan
Our Commitment
Tweed Eco Cruises is committed to protecting the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Tweed River and surrounding landscapes. Our approach to sustainability is built on minimising environmental impact, supporting local communities and delivering meaningful, educational experiences for our guests.
Key Sustainability Goals (2026–2028)
- Reduce operational waste
- Source 80% of food and beverage from local and regional producers
- Maintain advanced ecotourism certification standards
- Increase guest participation in conservation initiatives
- Strengthen partnerships with local environmental and wildlife organisations
Environmental Initiatives
- Invested in new energy-efficient onboard generators to reduce fuel use and emissions
- Reduction of single use plastics through reusable and compostable alternatives
- Environmentally responsible vessel operations, including efficient route planning and speed management
- Participation in river clean-up initiatives using dedicated vessels
- Continued support for conservation partners including seabird rescue and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Hospital
Cultural Responsibility
- Operating on Bundjalung Country, with respect for Traditional Owners
- Collaboration with local Indigenous guides and community members
- Integration of cultural storytelling and bush tucker experiences into cruise offerings
Community & Economic Contribution
- Employment of local staff and support of regional suppliers
- Partnerships with local producers (food, beverage and experiences)
- Contribution to the local visitor economy through sustainable tourism growth
Guest Education
- Onboard interpretation focused on ecosystems, wildlife and conservation
- Interactive experiences such as wildlife feeding, crab catching and bush tucker education
- Encouraging responsible visitor behaviour and environmental awareness
Climate Action Plan
Our Approach
We recognise climate change as a key challenge for marine and nature based tourism. Our Climate Action Plan focuses on reducing emissions, improving efficiency and building long-term resilience.
Key Targets (Short to Medium Term)
- Reduce fuel consumption per cruise by 10% within 3 years
- Transition toward lower-emission technologies as they become viable
- Offset a portion of unavoidable emissions through verified programs
- Integrate climate considerations into all operational and business decisions
Actions
Operational Efficiency
- Upgrade to fuel efficient engines and generators
- Optimise cruise schedules and vessel loading to reduce unnecessary trips
- Implement preventative maintenance to ensure peak efficiency
Energy Transition
- Monitor advancements in hybrid and electric marine technologies
- Trial alternative energy solutions where feasible
- Reduce onboard energy demand through efficient lighting and systems
Waste & Resource Reduction
- Minimise waste to reduce lifecycle emissions
- Increase use of local suppliers to reduce transport emissions
Partnerships & Offsetting
- Work with environmental organisations on carbon offset initiatives
- Support local ecosystem restoration projects (e.g. mangroves, waterways)
Resilience Planning
- Monitor environmental changes impacting waterways and wildlife
- Adapt cruise operations to protect sensitive ecosystems
- Ensure long term sustainability of the business and environment
Emissions Reduction Plan
Baseline & Measurement
We are committed to understanding and reducing our carbon footprint. Emissions are primarily generated through:
- Vessel fuel consumption
- Transport and supply chain logistics
- Energy use onboard and in operations
We are implementing systems to track:
- Fuel usage per cruise
- Emissions per passenger
- Waste volumes and reduction progress
Reduction Targets
- Achieve a 20% reduction in emissions intensity (per passenger) within 5 years
- Reduce fuel consumption through efficiency measures
- Increase sustainable procurement to reduce indirect emissions
Key Reduction Strategies
1. Fuel & Vessel Efficiency
- Use of energy efficient generators
- Improved hull maintenance and antifouling to reduce drag
- Optimised cruising speeds and routes
2. Sustainable Procurement
- Prioritising local suppliers to reduce transport emissions
- Selecting environmentally responsible products and packaging
3. Waste Minimisation
- Composting organic waste where possible
- Eliminating single use plastics
- Recycling and responsible disposal practices
4. Staff Engagement
- Training team members in sustainable practices
- Embedding sustainability into daily operations and decision making
5. Guest Involvement
- Encouraging low impact behaviour onboard
- Offering opportunities to participate in conservation initiatives
- Educating guests on protecting natural environments
Monitoring & Reporting
- Annual review of emissions data and sustainability performance
- Continuous improvement approach with updated targets
- Transparent communication of progress on our website