The Great Lakes area relies heavily on the state of the natural environment for two of its major industries, tourism and oyster production. A survey of local businesses showed that over 86% used the local environment to either promote or operate their business, whilst the same amount believed that their business would suffer if the local environment was to decline.

Great Lakes Council has received funding from the NSW Environmental Trust to implement a Sustainable Small Business Program, including local tourism operators.

It is a FREE and practical program that will bring together all of the business programs that are offered to local small businesses to assist with becoming more sustainable. Business partners will have the opportunity to obtain expert advice on energy, water and waste saving opportunities, as well as belonging to a network of local small businesses leading the way in the Great Lakes region.

Great Lakes Sustainable Business Partners have received energy, water and waste assessments, workshops on resource efficiency, and one on one support for their business.

Business Partners are committed to working towards a 10% reduction in energy, water and waste, and to assist with the development of educational resources for the local community and tourists. Have a read through some of the business profiles to learn what some of the business partners have been up to.

By the end of 2011, Great Lakes Sustainable Business Partners had achieved a 17% reduction in energy use, saving 36 tonnes of carbon dioxide and approximately $9000. These business partners have also achieved a 26% reduction in their water use which equates to around 909 000 litres.

All of the Business Partners are supplied with a logo to display in their businesses to show that they are taking action.

Support your local businesses who display this logo as they are the champions in our local business community that are making an effort to maintain our local environment whilst building their business, and keep the Great Lakes Great!

The Great Lakes Sustainable Business Program received a Highly Commended  in the 2011 Local Government and Shires Association Excellence in the Environment Awards.

The program is available to all local small businesses in the Great Lakes area. If you are interested in joining, please contact us on the details below.

This program is proudly supported by Great Lakes Business and Great Lakes Tourism. Click on the logos below for more information.

This project has been assisted by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust

Sustainable Business Directory

Links and Resources