How will this event impact on the local environment?

Surfing South Australia is committed to environmental protection and improvement, in fact  Surfing  South  Australia  was  the  first  State  Sporting  body  in Australia  to commit  to  offsetting  all  its  carbon  generation.  We were also the first Pro Junior event to offset its carbon footprint – in the world.

We  have  an  excellent  relationship  with  Department  of  Environment and Natural Resources  as  a  result  of  proactive  work  and  cleanup  of  other  peoples  rubbish  in conservation  parks  such  as Waitpinga/Newland  Head  Conversation  Park. Our delivery plan includes leaving any site in better condition than we found it.
Surfing South Australia is working with DENR and Birds Australia around a number of issues including the proper management of the Hooded Plovers.

Many of the event staff and volunteers with be trained to implement the Hooded Plover management plan.

Surfing South Australia sees the event as an opportunity to further raise awareness of the Hooded Plover.

If you are interested in becoming an environmental volunteer you should contact the Conservation Volunteers. Volunteers at this event will help ensure that the event has a minimum impact on the surrounding environment and educate spectators, competitors and officials about the unique wildlife and ecosystems on Kangaroo Island.
Daily tasks will include Hooded Plover (Critically Endangered) and White Bellied Sea Eagle surveys, marine debris and litter survey and collection, providing environmental education and handing out information regarding features of the local environment, wildlife and conservation efforts on Kangaroo Island, photo point monitoring and set up/pack up of event.
Other tasks may include bunting off sensitive areas, roping off Hooded Plover nesting areas, directing spectators to event site, car parking, camping areas and designated trails.
For further information visit:  http://cvops.cva.org.au/project/info?projectId=43894


National parks

More than one third of the island is dedicated to national and conservation parks. Flinders Chase National Park is the biggest, taking up most of Kangaroo Island’s western side. Here you'll find the wind-sculpted Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and many endangered animal species.
Like the rest of the island, there are brilliant wild flowers and towering gum trees. At Cape Borda, climb the lighthouse and enjoy some of South Australia’s best views. 

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/Home


Quarantine

Kangaroo Island has tough quarantine laws. When you are packing, leave any honey and all bee-handling equipment at home.
Potatoes, yes potatoes, must be in new, unopened packaging. Destroy any peels or unused potatoes. Please don’t bring vine cuttings or grapevine soil here. Ensure your vehicle, boats, camping gear and hiking boots are free of mud and seeds.
Kangaroo Island, it’s truly something special.

Offsetting significant carbon emissions

The Kangaroo Island Surf & Music Festival 2011 will be monitoring, reducing and then offsetting unavoidable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the planning and delivery of the biggest surfing event South Australia has witnessed.

“Given the pristine location, logistical requirements and the enormous interest in the event, we have an ideal opportunity to increase the awareness of the local and global surf community to the challenge of human induced climate change and importantly pro-active steps we can take to mitigate this impact" said Steve Reddy, CEO of event organisers, Surfing South Australia.

"To this end are very proud to be working with energy and carbon specialists BalanceCarbon.

"We will be monitoring Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions using BalanceCarbon’s state of the art C3Online carbon accounting and reporting software and are committed to a range of reduction and abatement measures, which include the use of certified carbon offsets recognised under Australian standards".

Specifically Surfing South Australia will be monitoring

Transport Fuel

•   Jet ski use and support boats
•   Competitor, official and VIP transport to and from the event site (flights & buses)

Electricity Consumption

•    Electricity consumed in competitor and official accommodation
•    Electricity consumed at event organising offices during planning phase

Natural Gas Consumption

•    Gas consumed in competitor and official accommodation

Waste Generated

•   Waste generated at the event site(s)
• Waste generated at event organising offices during planning phase

Stationary Fuel

• Fuel used in generators
• Fugitive Emissions
• Leaked refrigerant and A/C gases (found in air conditioner units) at event organising offices

Paper Consumption

• Emissions generated by the manufacture and transport of paper related to documentation and promotions

An emissions management plan is also being developed to assist the event organisers in avoiding and minimising emissions as a result of the event.

This initiative, links with our broader commitment to delivering an event with minimal environmental impacts and to counter a demonstration of what can be done in delivering a world class event here in South Australia.