Eco-Objectives

Bombah Point Eco Cottages is committed to operating on ecologically sustainable principles and to being proactive in restoring and maintaining the unique landscape of the local environment. We aim to demonstrate that the environmentally conscious concepts embraced here are available for all types of development, whether a terrace in the city or a bush retreat, without compromising comfort or being too costly.

Sustainable Foundations

A holiday resort with minimal environmental impact is not necessarily an oxymoron! By beginning with ecologically sound ideals and working on them throughout the construction phase then it can become a reality.

While there are certainly challenges to overcome, a bit of creative thinking and dedication helps local councils and energy providers embrace new or alternate technologies. Initial set up costs can appear prohibitive but there are often long term financial gains and governments offer some incentives with their Greenhouse Reduction commitments.

Minimal Waste & Resource Use

Our large permaculture garden provides, with the help of chooks and recycled kitchen waste, fresh seasonal vegetables and herbs for our use and for our guests. We use renewable and recyclable products where possible, provide recycling bins and compost most food waste on site. We have set up tertiary treatment of sewage using a bioreactor system, which incorporates worm composting and reed bed filtration. Filtered rainwater tanks provide the cottages with water.


Electricity

Electricity is generated on site with 48 high yield solar panels set up on four light sensitive sun trackers. During the day the system generates power that is fed back on to the local grid system and our electricity meter actually turns backwards. When the sun sets we begin to draw power back from the grid, offsetting our daytime contribution, and the meter moves forward. We estimate that the solar panels supply 60% of our power and by selling power back to the energy supplier we will offset the establishment costs associated with such a large solar array over a period of 5 to 7 years.

Working for the local environment:
Our aim is to form a buffer zone for our neighbour, The Myall Lakes National Park, so we are working on land restoration, and bush regeneration as vegetation is a natural pollution filter for the fragile lakes system.
We intend to work closely with the National Parks & Wildlife Service, local agriculturists and local environmental groups to improve the health of the surrounding eco-system and help secure the future of the area. We are removing feral plants and animals. Our fire damage control includes four dams, fire breaks, a large bore water reservoir and rooftop sprinklers to the cottages.