Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island Sustainability Commitment
Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island is committed to protecting the extraordinary natural and cultural environment of Yunbenun, the island home of the Wulgurukaba people, Traditional Owners of the land and sea Country on which we operate. Our sustainability approach is shaped by Accor’s global Environmental policies and strengthened by our local Environmental Management Plan, which outlines how we minimise our impact across energy, water, waste, wildlife, and community engagement.
Located within the World Heritage–listed Great Barrier Reef and surrounded by national park, fringing coral reefs, and unique wildlife habitats, our responsibility is clear: operate with care, reduce our footprint, and help guests experience Magnetic Island in a way that protects it for future generations.
We are dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint through responsible resource management, waste minimisation, and continuous improvement across all operations. This includes:
- Reducing energy and water consumption
- Minimising waste and increasing recycling
- Protecting wildlife and sensitive ecosystems
- Supporting local environmental groups
- Educating guests on sustainable behaviours
Caring for Magnetic Island’s Unique Environment
Magnetic Island is home to diverse ecosystems including granite boulder forests, dry tropical woodlands, fringing coral reefs, mangroves, seasonal creeks, and turtle‑nesting beaches. More than 70% of the island is protected national park, supporting species such as:
- Koalas
- Rock wallabies
- Green, hawksbill & flatback turtles
- Dugongs
- Reef sharks, rays & migratory whales
Current Initiatives
- Read our blog on how we work with the local Koala Hospital and how we support Magnetic Island Wildlife.
- Linen reuse program to reduce water and chemical consumption
- 7+ night stay service schedule, with linen changes only on request to minimise water and energy use
- Preventative maintenance program to reduce water wastage (leaks, air‑conditioning efficiency, etc.)
- Plastic bottle recycling bins available throughout the property donating to MIFCO
- Refillable 500ml in‑room toiletries to eliminate single‑use plastics
- Bulk cleaning products used by housekeeping to reduce packaging waste
- Garden waste mulched through local transfer stations
Community Engagement
Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island actively supports and engages with the local community through:
- Partnerships with local environmental groups
- Volunteer participation in island sustainability initiatives
- Donation programs supporting wildlife rescue and waste‑reduction organisations
- Sourcing local products and services wherever possible
These partnerships help strengthen the social, cultural, and environmental wellbeing of Magnetic Island.
Supplier Relations
We work closely with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability. This includes:
- Preferring suppliers who use recycled or low‑impact materials
- Avoiding over‑packaged goods
- Regularly reviewing new environmentally friendly products and initiatives
Employee Training
All team members receive clear, practical sustainability guidance as part of their induction and ongoing training. This includes:
- Environmental awareness and responsible operations
- Waste minimisation and recycling procedures
- Emergency response and spill management
- Wildlife protection protocols
Guest Education | What you can do to help protect Magnetic Island
We encourage guests to join us in protecting Magnetic Island by:
- Using recycling bins correctly
- Turn off lights, air‑conditioning, and appliances when not in use
- Take shorter showers and reuse towels to help conserve water
- Participating in linen reuse programs
- Avoiding feeding wildlife
- Report injured wildlife to staff.
- Choose souvenirs that support local culture and protect our environment. Your purchasing choices make a meaningful difference.
- Be a responsible visitor by keeping noise to a minimum, especially at night
- Follow local marine park rules when boating or swimming
- Dispose of food scraps properly to avoid attracting wildlife
- Follow signage and stay on designated tracks
- Support local Indigenous businesses and cultural experiences
Continuous Improvement
We continuously monitor, measure, and review our sustainability performance to identify opportunities for improvement. By adopting new technologies, refining operational practices, and learning from industry best practice, we strengthen our long‑term environmental outcomes.