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A family, who helped pioneer eco-tourism on the Great Barrier Reef, is celebrating 20 years of transforming Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort into a globally recognised eco-tourism destination.
Peter and Julie Gash, along with their daughters, Amy and Chloe, and several partners became Custodians of the Island in 2005 and had a bold vision focused on eco-tourism.
To date, more than 17,000 native trees, grasses and ground covers have been planted to restore the island, over 1,000 solar panels power the eco-resort and the accommodation has undergone a major renovation.
“To every single person who has been part of the journey, whether you’ve been with us for a month, a year, or two decades – thank you. You’ve all helped make Lady Elliot Island the special place it is today,” Mr Gash said.
“Lady Elliot Island is now a thriving ecosystem of birds, turtles, and manta rays at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef with world-renowned eco-tourism. It’s hard to believe it was once an Island heavily devastated by mining in the 1800’s” Mr Gash said.
Amy Gash, who has been calling the Island home since she was five years old, said their event on-island today was about celebrating their vision and hard-working team that have made it possible.
“It’s been 20 years of transformation. Lady Elliot Island is a unique destination, we are all about one of a kind reef experiences, educating our guests, and protecting the environment.
“Our family had a bold vision to transform the island into an eco-tourism destination and we are really proud to see that turn into reality. For us, Lady Elliot Island is our backyard, we really love and enjoy this beautiful place that we share with the world,” she said.
Mr Gash said their family thanks the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in trusting them and their team to safeguard the Island’s biodiversity and the eco-resort.
The Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort team are committed to build on their foundations of the last 20 years with plans already underway to expand environmental education programs, improve infrastructure, and continue setting the benchmark for eco-tourism.
“This island still has so many stories to tell, and so much beauty to protect” Mr Gash said.
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort’s Marine Park permissions allow for the operation of a low-key 44-room eco-resort which can accommodate a maximum of 150 overnight guests and 100-day guests.
Lady Elliot Island is 80 kilometres NE of Bundaberg. With flight access the only mode of transport. Daily flights depart from the Gold Coast, Brisbane (Redcliffe), Hervey Bay and Bundaberg with sister company Seair Pacific.
For further information please contact: Stacey Cain | stacey@ladyelliot.com.au | +61 7 5536 3644
Media release accompanying Images & Videos
Learn more about the resorts eco initiatives in the Media Centre