Hi Everyone,
Many of you will know that my love for the environment inspired me to create Ruth2Reef, a column dedicated to showcasing ways we can protect it. That’s why, when I came to write this week’s article about the Ngaro Track on page four, I found myself at something of a crossroad.
The new trail is an incredible addition, a 32 km hike across awe-inspiring Whitsunday Island, all while promoting what it claims to be, which is 'ecotourism.' I love hiking and I am always keen to discover new places and test my limits, especially in a way that’s as environmentally conscious as possible. I genuinely believe this initiative gives both locals and visitors the chance to explore more of the natural wonders we’re so lucky to have.
At the same time, with my environmental columnist hat on, I completely understand the concerns of environmental members of our community. Protecting our national parks is essential, and we must make sure we don’t allow development to turn these pristine landscapes into a ‘concrete jungle,’ as has happened in many other parts of the world.
While I am not always sure who is right or wrong when there is a disagreement, I try to remain as neutral as I can in my journalism, giving all sides a voice. I recently attended a sustainable travel journalism masterclass with some of the world’s best, including National Geographic editors, and something one of them said really resonated with me: “No travel is ever entirely sustainable,” and “while it is important to bring different cultures together through travel, economically and environmentally there will always be negatives too, and we should remember to maximise the benefits alongside the negatives.” I hope that through my article, readers can see this perspective and how I have tried to incorporate all opinions on this new track and represent it fairly.
Enjoy delving in and reading about this new addition to the Whitsundays, and on the topic of who is right or wrong? Maybe the answer is: neither.
Ruth
I’ve also started using a new app that gives me a “word of the day,” so I thought I’d share today’s with you: latitudinarian - a person who is open minded and tolerant. Quite fitting I think!
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
