Community
11 December, 2024
Eco-tourism champions
LEADING local coach operator and award-winning CaPTA Group’s Tropic Wings and Cairns Tours and Charters has set new standards for tropical ecotourism, announcing that their brand-new cutting-edge Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) infrastructure is now operational.
Founded in 1983 by Charles and Pip Woodward, Tropic Wings is the longest established coach tour operator in Tropical North Queensland.
Completely locally owned and operated, Tropic Wings has provided quality Kuranda and Cape Tribulation tours for over 40 years.
Marking a significant step forward in their Towards Sustainable Transport in Tourism project, this milestone comes as part of the company’s $10.2 million initiative to integrate 12 state-of-the-art BEVs and accompanying infrastructure into its operations, supported by $4.75m in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) through its Driving the Nation Program.
A collaboration with industry leaders including EnergyAustralia, Electric Vehicle Council, and Vehicles Dealers International, this project includes the installation of 11 advanced charging stations and the development of off-grid operating capability in the event of outages.
Tropic Wings general manager Colin Anderson said the company was dedicated to fostering industry-wide change.
“Our BEV infrastructure is operational and we are now collecting and analysing data to refine our operations,” he said.
“These reports will, not only showcase our journey, but also serve as a resource for other operators, ensuring that the impact of this project extends far beyond our organisation.
“This initiative cements Tropic Wings’ role as a pioneer in eco-tourism. As the first Australian tourism operator to deploy a 100 per cent electric bus, Tropic Wings is creating a blueprint for sustainable transport in the tourism industry.
“The ‘Key Lessons Learnt Reports’ will be publicly available, reinforcing Tropic Wings’ commitment to collaboration and transparency as it redefines tourism transport.
“These initiatives, not only benefit the environment, but also enhance the visitor experience in Tropical North Queensland by creating a cleaner, quieter, and more enjoyable environment for tourists and local communities alike.”
EnergyAustralia head of green transport Jack Kotlyar said he was inspired by Tropic Wings’ commitment to a clean energy transformation.
“EnergyAustralia is excited to help Tropic Wings bring their depot electrification project to life,” he said.
“The lessons learned from engineering, installation, commissioning and customised green retail tariff will pave the way for others in the industry to succeed.”
