Sustainability

Our Sustainability Program

Splitters Farm is committed to being green and meaningful introducing many initiatives to ensure a harmonious and sustainable relationship between our farm and natural bushland & wetland surrounds which, to us, are simply common-sense practices to reduce our carbon footprint.

Our objective is just as simple, to preserve and highlight the natural bushland surrounds and freshwater oasis whilst offering a sustainable accommodation venue for our region and those travelling from afar.

Recognition

Splitters Farm accommodation and tours has achieved Advanced Ecotourism Certification and Climate Action Leader Certification from Ecotourism Australia in recognition of our sustainability programs and low impact operations.

ADVANCED ECOTOURISM

Australia’s leading and most innovative ecotourism products that operate with minimal impact on the environment and provide opportunities to learn about the environment with operators who are committed to achieving best practice, using resources wisely, contributing to conserving the environment and helping local communities.

CLIMATE ACTION LEADER

Businesses have incorporated strategic climate change responses across all relevant levels of business planning and operations. They are measuring and auditing their carbon footprint via a creditable system and have undertaken an advanced level of adaptation, emissions reduction and offsetting and are working towards becoming carbon neutral.

GREEN TRAVEL LEADER

Green Travel Leaders are tourism businesses that have held certification with Ecotourism Australia for 10 or more years.

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

NATURAL SURROUNDS / WILDLIFE & BIODIVERSITY

• Architect designed buildings in sympathy with the landscape.
• Native vegetation has been replanted with the assistance of Landcare to attract more native wildlife and restore the natural bushland after development.
• Wildlife boxes are located through the native bush to attract local species.
• Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are provided for guest use and no power boats are able to access Splitters Creek via Splitters Farm.
• Fish species such as bass, barramundi, silver perch and jade perch have been introduced into the adjoining dam to encourage local breeding for catch n release fishing and algae control.
• Creek embankments have been turfed to prevent erosion.
• Vehicle access is prohibited near the creek & bushland areas.
• Activities are nature based with a view to have no impact on the local environment.
• Annual Arborist reports completed by certified arborist to assess and maintain the health of every large tree on the property.
• Bush tucker plants originating in the area were planted in the Splitters orchard with a view to run food tours in the future featuring local indigenous plants.
• Firewood is provided and delivered to site, so the local bushland habitat is not disturbed.

Green Initiatives

• Use of electric powered housekeeping vehicles.
• Paperless booking and guest check-in experience.
• Planting of native trees to attract wildlife.
• Biodegradable cleaning agents are used.
• Worm farms have been introduced to educate guests on composting and so we can recycle small amounts of organic matter.
• Locally sourced environmentally friendly & refillable products are provided in our Eco Glamping tents thanks to Refill-not-landfill to remove the need for single use plastics.
• Beehives adorn the property, as we are committed to respecting our native flora and fauna and the role our pollinators have in our life cycle & that of our wildlife.
• Purchasing decisions must be made on the following criteria:
  • Natural products
  • Reusable/recyclable materials
  • Efficient products – _appliance to the highest water and energy efficiency star rating
  • Locally made - local artisans and Australian Made
  • As much as possible we choose suppliers with a similar ethos and passion for the environment.

Our Animals

• We are currently training to become fully licensed wildlife careers with a view to rehabilitate and release native species into the surrounding bushland.
• All animal stables & enclosures have been built using recycled timber & materials.
• Animal waste is re-used on the ground’s gardens and orchard.
• ‘Scraps 4 Splitters’ Program - Food scraps & produce is collected from local farms and cafes to feed our rescue animals to sustain their varied diets which creates less food wastage and need for supplement feed.
• Portable Chicken Tractors for livestock naturally fertilise lawn areas.
• We offer our ‘Rescue Squad Program’ for those that wish to follow our animals’ stories and donate to their care and wellbeing.

Waste

• 230,000kWh of Solar energy is produced annually via four solar systems installed on the property with a view to be the first caravan park completely off-grid by 2024.
• Solar pumps and irrigators are used to water paddocks.
• Natural ventilation is encouraged and air conditioning costs off-set by solar.
• To protect the fragile creek ecosystem, 100% of all grey and wastewater is treated by an ERA approved effluent wastewater treatment plant and then irrigated onto paddocks approx. 300 metres from the amenities. The pumping system is protected by no-flow and level alarms.
• Shower heads are low flow & toilets are dual flush.
• Time limits on showers to preserve rainwater.
• Light sensitive timer switches for public lighting and timers on all external lighting.
• LED and safety lighting features throughout farm buildings and roadways.
• Strict adherence to the local Council recycling programs.
• Use of recycled paper and natural products where possible.
• Rainwater is stored and used when possible.
• Bins allocated allow for waste separation, are clearly labelled, and displayed to all guests for collection of cans and bottles. The funds we raise from this goes back into covering the cost of animal feed and towards vet bills.
• All green waste is mulched and recycled on the orchard.

Our sustainabilty goals

• To provide a unique transformational farm experience where guests feel a sense of involvement & social responsibility that contributes to a greater cause.
• To educate visitors on sustainable practices and how they can contribute to our cause.
• To reuse as much as possible to promote the circular economy.
• Create new and enhance existing experiences that help visitors connect with the natural & rural surrounds while promoting the region’s coastal offering through a proactive approach to product development & collaboration.
• To be recognised as a unique eco-tourism leader who works with other operators and supports our community in a sustainable way.
• To continue to Identify and minimise any environmental risks and impacts associated with the expansion of an ever-growing business.
• Consult regularly with environmental officers and bodies to ensure expansion works don’t affect or provide any long-term impacts to the environment of which we live in.
• Continue to grow on our promise to remain green and meaningful towards our environment with clean energy and waste management processes & procedures.
• To stay updated on all environmental legislation and requirements and understand our obligations.
• Continue to support local communities and organisations by sourcing local products and promoting other industries and businesses to further our region and its values.