Responsible Tourism

Responsible Tourism

The environment and community in which we operate is extremely important to us at Riviera Nautic.

The preservation of the Gippsland Lakes and its’ surrounds is vital so this unique and beautiful part of the world can be enjoyed well into the future. Therefore, we take great care in all that we do to minimise the impact of our activity on the environment and we encourage guests to assist us with this while visiting.We are also committed to ensuring the community benefits from our business activity.

At Riviera Nautic there are many things we currently do to achieve this. Here are just some:
> All of our boats at Riviera Nautic have holding tanks, ensuring no human waste enters the lakes system
> All operators at our on-water fueling station are trained and inducted in our safe fueling procedures
> We use biodegradable cleaning products and minimise run-off into the water when we are cleaning
> We encourage guests to ‘tread lightly’ in a range of ways while visiting (see how you can help below)
> We recycle and provide waste management systems for guests
> We purchase consumables in bulk to minimise package and waste
> We have installed energy efficient globes and sensor lights in our 24 hour facilities
> We employ local people
> We use local suppliers where possible
> We provide donations, gifts, complimentary experience for disadvantaged groups, schools and community groups

By choosing a boating holiday you are making a wonderful, environmentally-friendly choice when compared to a land based holiday. When on a boating holiday you use less power and less water, when under sail you use the power of the wind to transport you, and most guests enjoy nature based activities while on a boating holiday.

Even so, there is more you can do to help. Here are some suggestions:
> Stay to pathways when exploring National Parks and the surrounds of the lakes area
> Remove all your rubbish (we have bins and recycling facilities at our base and there are others around the lakes)
> Enjoy wildlife from a respectful distance (keep your distance and if they approach, such as dolphins sometimes do to play, allow them to move away at will). After all we are privileged to be exploring their territory.
> Access local shops, events and experiences while you are visiting. There is such wonderful depth to what you can discover if you are curious enough to scratch the surface.
> Take only what you bring in; leave nature where it belongs and take photos instead to share with family and friends
> Abide by rules and regulations, consider why they are in place. For example stick to fishing limits, marine safety regulations such as children 10 years and under wearing lifejackets when underway.
>Plus much more. If you would like to know more ask us today.

Collectively, we can make a significant contribution to preserving the environment and respecting the community. If you have more suggestions we would love to hear them. Our Facebook page is a great way of sharing this information or you can send us an email.

Gunaikurnai People

Riviera Nautic respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, the GunaiKurnai people.

“On Friday 22 October 2010 both the Federal and State governments formally recognised the Gunaikurnai people as the Traditional Owners of over 20 per cent of public land within Gippsland and Eastern Victoria. The Victorian Government and the Gunaikurnai people formally signed Victoria’s first settlement agreement under the new Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010. This agreement involved the transfer of ten parks and reserves to the Gunaikurnai as “Aboriginal Title” which will be jointly managed in conjunction with Parks Victoria.

Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park is one of the jointly managed parks within Gippsland. This agreement recognises the fact that the Gunaikurnai people have always been connected to their land and are the rightful people who speak for that Country. These parks and reserves are cultural landscapes which are part of our living culture.”
Taken from Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park park notes