Bellingen Shire Council - Media Release

- Local Accommodation a Clean Green Star -

Friday 6 July 2007

A Bellingen boutique accommodation business is leading the way in environmentally responsible tourism.
Lily Pily Country House is the first tourism business on Coffs Coast, and only one of three in the Mid North Coast region, to be awarded a Green STAR accommodation rating by AAA Tourism.

Green STARS is an additional endorsement to the traditional AAA Tourism STAR Rating. It provides special recognition and shows guests that a business is responsible and committed to reducing the environmental impacts of its operations.

The program is aligned with the internationally recognised GREEN GLOBE Certification.
Two thirds of Australians say that a green endorsement would influence their choice of holiday accommodation.
Of course, it also reduces operating costs for the business and improves sustainability for the environment and the tourism industries.

Lily Pily Country House now offers a 4.5 Green STAR accommodation experience.
Lily Pily owners Felicity and Brian Sherratt are thrilled to be awarded such an important endorsement.
“Environmentally sensitive activities reflects the sentiments of many in Bellingen, and we are delighted to be its first recipient of AAAT Green Stars for Accommodation.

We encourage other accommodation providers to also embrace these tourism protocols and practices in support of the environment and Council's Tourism Strategy, to develop sustainable tourism,” said Mr Sherratt.
Bellingen Shire Tourism Manager, Brian Stokes, said the Green STAR program helps visitors understand what is special about the Bellinger.

The Bellinger area has a reputation for environmental consciousness and initiative. Felicity’s and Brian’s innovative approach to managing Lily Pily Country House is to be applauded.
Their achievement of a Green STAR rating reflects their commitment to the environment and providing our valued guests with an authentic, clean green experience. The fact that this is offered in a luxury, hosted accommodation is impressive,” Brian said.

Bellingen Shire’s peak tourism organisation, Tourism Bellinger, congratulated Lily Pily on the initiative to qualify for Green STARS.

Tourism Bellinger President, Laurie Kane, said “We live in a very rare and special place – one that visitors want to experience as a clean, aware and environmentally diverse holiday destination.
Lily Pily is an example of how sustainable practices can provide real benefits not just for business, but for the environment, the community and of course our valued visitors,” Laurie said.