At least 25 people and millions of animals have died so far since September in Australia, where thousands of homes have also been destroyed. The unprecedented bushfire season has been fuelled by record temperatures and shockingly illustrates the destructive power of climate change.
The Eco Resort Network team followed not only the events reported in the mainstream news but also the posts of one of our own network members – Sonny Vrebac – whose business was affected by the blaze. Sonny owns an off-grid pop-up glamping site/eco resort (Bubbletents Australia) situated on a secluded part of a 1000+ acre working farm and nestled between Lithgow and Mudgee some 200km NW from Sydney.
His site overlooks the widest enclosed canyon in the world, which doubles as one of the 50 IBA (Important Bird Area) sanctuaries around the globe for bird watching.
“We’re getting back up on our feet, thankfully losses compared to others around us haven’t been catastrophic but we’ve elected to close the site down for the time being,” he told us. The site has since reopened as of mid January and relief in the form of rain has finally arrived.
Over the past couple of weeks, Sonny recorded the highest temp on his property and a suburb on the outskirts of Sydney hit 49 degrees. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/sydney-s-penrith-the-hottest-place-on-earth-amid-devastating-bushfires
“Mother nature is giving us a good slap around the face and if this doesn’t make our government acknowledging impacts of climate change then nothing will,” he adds.
Unfortunately, whether it be fire or floods – extreme weather conditions are increasingly becoming part of our everyday landscape and eco resorts – often situated in far-flung and isolated locations can often be particularly adversely affected, or have to wait longer before being reached by emergency services.
Risk management, adequate insurance, an air-tight emergency evacuation plan and properly trained staff are all tools that resorts need to keep in full working order and to hand at all times. At our Eco Resort Network convening we will explore through conversation and consultation other ways in which resorts can protect their guests, their staff and themselves from the challenges that Mother Nature throw at them.
We would like to wish Sonny and everyone affected by the Australian bushfires all the very best – donations can be made here https://www.wwf.org.au/get-involved/bushfire-emergency#gs.qa38nf
Due to the fires, Sonny is now unable to attend the Eco Resort Network but becomes a ‘virtual delegate’ joining the network and receiving full details of the event, appearing in the journal and post event report.
image credit: Cam Darcy
