Karijini National Park luxury camp in Western Australia

Community
The focus and importance of benefiting the local indigenous communities is clearly stated in our Mission Statement, “...that it strives to stimulate the economic development opportunities in local communities”. Ultimately, all proceeds will be reinvested back into the local indigenous communities as the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation retains 100% ownership.

This key component of the purpose behind the eco retreat is achieved through the employment of local indigenous people. Presently there are 2 full time indigenous employees. The goal for the future is to train and make Indigenous employees responsible for the complete daily management and operations of the Retreat. The active use of the land not only offers necessary and beneficial finances, but reaffirms pride and ownership in the land and the community.

Over the 2008-2009 period paid traineeships have provided paid hands-on learning opportunities to many people of the local indigenous communities. This training is more than a source of income, but an opportunity to build pride in the employees and their abilities. For many of these indigenous employees it is their first time in the workforce, and the lessons for their future and the future of their communities reach further than the resort.

The required training is determined by the position, ambitions and past experience of the employee, along with the unique skills that are required in remote locations, such as health, safety and cultural awareness. The respect of the local community values and culture is of high importance to the Retreat, and training programs, such as the WANU WANU course, are taken by non-indigenous employees to increase their understanding and respect of the local indigenous culture.

The Retreat also serves as a gateway to shared understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, as the many of the activities involve Aboriginal culture and interpretation. For many tourists this interaction offers a chance to learn the values of the local Indigenous people, and endeavours to improve communication and understanding.

Wherever possible supplies, resources and services are sourced from within the local community, and if not available then from Western Australian companies, to ensure that the short and long term economic benefits remain in the region. To ensure that The Retreat is providing the best possible opportunities to the local indigenous communities and the indigenous tourism industry, they are accredited members of the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Committee (WAITOC) and Aboriginal Tourism Australia (ATA).

Environment
The focus on sustainable design and total commitment to minimising environmental impact were always the key development considerations for the eco retreat. All areas of site planning, design, layout, materials and systems used were carefully documented and implemented appropriate to embracing the highly environmentally sensitive approach to the entire development. The environmental impact considerations are summarised here:

Eco tent and dining facility design:
The Eco Tents, designed by Eco Structures and built by Eco Constructions, were commissioned with instructions to ensure they were semi-permanent structures that incorporated ecologically sustainable principles and could easily be erected and dismantled in remote areas with little impact to the natural environment using solar power and recycled materials wherever possible.

Design considerations included:

• Natural ventilation via a tropical roof to allow airflow
• Decking made from a recycled materials
• To blend unobtrusively with the natural environment – minimal visual impact
• Ensure strategic placement consistent with the surroundings
• Minimal disruption to vegetation – small footprints and minimal excavation – raised structure
• Placement dependent on drainage pattern for water flow, winds and access
• The use of Enviroloos, grey water treatment and solar power.

Biodiversity, geology and landscape considerations:

• Preserve ecosystem structure and function
• Minimise loss or alteration of habitat by clearing, fire etc
• Prevent introduction of weeds, pests and disease
• Protect and conserve rare, vulnerable or endangered species
• Provide for rehabilitation of disturbed land
• Preserve the natural state of landscape features

Water resources:

• Water is provided by an installed bore. Use is monitored and logged daily to ensure the per visitor consumption target is not exceeded
• Interpretation/signage is displayed at all water usage points that encourages guests to actively conserve water
• Use of low flow showerheads and spring loaded taps minimise water volumes and the grey water produced
• Grey water and black water is separated for treatment and then recycled.

Waste management:

Environmental impact is reduced by ensuring correct disposal of waste:

• Grease traps fitted in kitchens and kitchen waste composting for vegetation maintenance and rehabilitation
• Toilet systems dehydrating and meet eco friendly credentials
• Sewerage
• Collection of recyclables
• Use of low phosphorous and fully biodegradable soaps, shampoos and conditioners
• Visitor information and education – provide an overview of the waste minimisation strategy with visitors and encourage their participation including taking with them personal rubbish on departure.