Sustainability

FREEDOM FAST CATS

Sustainability

Freedom Fast Cats is committed to responsible tourism and caring for the Southern Great Barrier Reef and Great Keppel Island — through practical actions, local partnerships, and continuous improvement.

At Freedom Fast Cats, sustainability is not an add-on — it is embedded in how we operate, how we host our guests, and how we care for the Great Barrier Reef and the Capricorn Coast.

As a family-owned and operated business with deep roots in this region, we understand our responsibility to protect the marine and island environments that support our livelihood and inspire our guests. Our approach to sustainability reflects our respect for nature, culture, and community, and we are committed to continual improvement over time.

Our vision is to operate responsibly, share the natural and cultural values of Great Keppel Island, and continue improving how we care for the reef, island, and community.

We operate within the Southern Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s most diverse reef systems. Our tours are designed to educate and inspire while minimising environmental impact.

Our practices include:
• Operating in accordance with GBRMPA permits and regulations
• Delivering reef-safe snorkelling and marine experiences
• Providing environmental briefings before activities such as snorkelling and boom-netting
• Encouraging respectful wildlife interactions and reef-safe behaviours
• Limiting group sizes where appropriate to reduce pressure on reef sites

Our crew share local knowledge of marine ecosystems, reef conservation, and environmental conditions throughout the day.

We proudly acknowledge the Woppaburra People, the Traditional Custodians of Great Keppel Island (Woppa), and recognise their enduring connection to land, sea, and culture.

We are committed to:
• Acknowledging Country at the beginning of tours and key communications
• Sharing cultural awareness and historical context with guests
• Encouraging respectful visitation to culturally significant areas
• Supporting broader understanding of First Nations stewardship of land and sea

We continually work to reduce waste, energy use, and emissions across our operations, implementing measures where feasible and appropriate to our marine operating environment.

Key initiatives include:
• Reducing single-use plastics onboard our vessels
• Using reusable crockery, cutlery, and cups for onboard catering
• Responsible waste management and recycling practices
• Efficient vessel scheduling to minimise fuel consumption
• Ongoing vessel maintenance to support engine efficiency
• Encouraging guests to bring reusable water bottles and reef-safe sunscreen

These practices are reviewed over time and refined where possible to further reduce our environmental impact.

The short video below was created by Plastic Free CQ and is shared with permission. It features Freedom Fast Cats as an example of a local tourism operator taking steps to reduce single-use plastics and increase the use of reusables onboard.

We recognise that sustainability is a journey, and we’re proud of the practical steps we’ve taken over time. This includes reducing single-use plastics onboard, increasing the use of reusables, supporting local suppliers, and participating in community and environmental initiatives where possible.

We continue to look for realistic ways to improve our practices and reduce our impact while delivering meaningful experiences for our guests.

Wherever possible, we prioritise working with locally owned and operated suppliers to support the regional economy and reduce transport impacts. Many of our day-to-day operational needs are met by businesses based in Yeppoon, Rockhampton, and the wider Capricorn Coast region.

This includes:
• Purchasing fresh produce locally
• Using local marine service providers for vessel maintenance and repairs
• Purchasing cleaning, maintenance, and catering supplies from regional businesses

By choosing local suppliers where feasible, we support local employment and strengthen regional supply chains.

Freedom Fast Cats is proud to be part of the Capricorn Coast community and works closely with local organisations, industry groups, and community partners to support responsible tourism and environmental care.

Our community involvement includes engagement with regional tourism organisations, participation in community-led environmental initiatives, and collaboration with groups that support reef health, waste reduction, and sustainable practices.

We believe strong community connections are essential to delivering authentic experiences and ensuring the long-term care of the places we operate in.

Freedom Fast Cats is proudly Eco Certified through Ecotourism Australia.

Eco Certification is an independent program that assesses tourism operators against environmental, cultural, and social sustainability criteria. For us, it provides a framework to guide how we operate, make decisions, and care for the environments and communities we work within.

Eco Certification does not mean we are perfect — it means we are committed. It reflects the steps we are taking to operate responsibly and continually improve over time.

Eco Certified through Ecotourism Australia

Guest Sustainability Pledge – How You Can Help Protect This Special Place

When you visit Great Keppel Island and the Southern Great Barrier Reef with Freedom Fast Cats, you are entering a special and fragile marine and island environment.

We are committed to operating responsibly and caring for this place — and we invite our guests to join us by making a few simple, respectful choices during their visit.

DOWNLOAD GUEST SUSTAINABILITY PLEDGE

Looking Ahead

Sustainability at Freedom Fast Cats is an ongoing journey. As our business and operating environment evolve, we will continue reviewing our practices, learning from our community and industry, and identifying opportunities to further reduce impacts and enhance how we care for the reef and island environments we operate in.

Freedom Fast Cats — sharing the beauty of Great Keppel Island responsibly.