South-West retreat leads the way in environmental tourism - Minister

30/5/01
A Margaret River retreat has been selected as the only tourism finalist in one of the country's most prestigious environmental awards.
Yelverton Brook Luxury Eco-Retreat will compete in the Small Business Responsibility and Leadership category of the Banksia Environmental Awards 2001. There are 12 categories in all and Yelverton Brook Luxury Eco-Retreat are the only tourism business to be shortlisted in any category.
Tourism Minister Clive Brown congratulated proprietors Joy and Simon Ensor for their commitment and perseverance.
"The Ensors have shown what can be done and I join with them in encouraging all tourist operators to rise to the challenge and embrace nature-based tourism opportunities," Mr Brown said.
"Western Australia's unique natural environment is one of the major drawcards for visitors to the State.
"Yelverton Brook shows that harnessed properly, the needs of tourism and the environment are compatible."
The retreat had taken 13 years to develop on 40ha of land in Metricup and comprised five environmentally friendly chalets.

The attention to environmental detail included the construction of the chalets and development of a wildlife sanctuary protected by a predator-proof fence.
The green theme extended to use of energy efficient globes, insulation, solar design construction, water efficient appliances and many more features.
Mr Brown said the State Government's focus for tourism was to develop WA as the world's leading nature-based tourist destination.
"Nature based tourism has the potential to be worth $500 million a year to WA by 2010," he said.
"Yelverton Brook is an excellent example of how WA can capitalise on its natural assets to carve a niche on the international tourism market."
The Banksia award judges said Yelverton Brook exemplified the high standard and excellence of this year's entrants.
The winner will be announced at a dinner in Canberra on June 2 at the National Museum.
Media contact: Minister's office - Bev East on 9222 9699