The response of property owners to Golden Chain's environmental initiative has surprised everyone - even the creators of the concept - and has become the most widely accepted scheme in the Australian accommodation industry.

Golden Chain unveiled its Green and Golden Bell Frog scheme in February 2007 and more than two-thirds of its 320 properties have qualified to display the frog symbol.

Under the system, member properties must achieve 10 out of 20 "benchmarks" to show they are committed to environmental protection.

Chairman of Golden Chain Motor Inns, Mr. John Sheppard, said he was overwhelmed by the acceptance of the scheme among moteliers. "Clearly the industry has been waiting for a scheme that is responsible and achievable - and this seems to be it"

Golden Chain properties, which range from bed and breakfast establishments to extensive resorts, have been required to implement at least 10 initiatives from a list of 20, to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility.

The list ranges from using energy efficient light bulbs and having efficient ventilation to reduce air conditioning use through to recycling, reuse of copy paper, energy efficient showerheads and light globes and encouraging guests to re-use towels and linen when they are staying over, to reduce the use of energy washing chemicals and water.

"We recognise we are in an industry that can consume vast amounts of energy and water as well as contributing to waste dumps - and we decided to do something about it," Mr Sheppard said.

"We are setting an example for our guests to follow and become more environmentally aware and responsible."

Mr. Sheppard said no other scheme in the accommodation industry had been so widely accepted and it was a credit to more than 200 moteliers that achieved the benchmark.

Golden Chain properties that meet the benchmark are displaying a logo of the Green and Golden Bell frog to identify their commitment to the program.

This frog was chosen because it is a particularly endangered species while frogs generally are under threat because development activities are wiping out their habitat.

"So the logo also has as secondary impact or building awareness to the threat to frogs which are an indication of a healthy ecosystem," Mr. Sheppard said.

The Green and Golden Bell frog is usually found close to water or very wet areas, is olive to emerald green in colour with regular blotches of brown or golden bronze on its body, and has a very distinctive call similar to a motorcycle changing gears.

Golden Chain Heritage Accommodation
Victoria
Great Ocean Road Motor Inn
Experience the exciting 'shipwreck' coastline - the surrounding limestone cliffs being some of the best-known landmarks in Australia

Port Fairy Ashmore Motor Inn
You will appreciate the quiet luxury of exploring its rugged coastline and stepping back into history as you wander around its 50 National Trust classified buildings, dating from the village's seafaring and whaling days.

Motel Woongarra - Rutherglen located in the Main Street of Rutherglen - close by Bintara Brewery and Rutherglen Estates Cellar. An ideal base to discover Rutherglen's historic township and explore one of the oldest wine-growing areas in Australia.

Southern Grampians Cottages
Located is a small rural town Dunkeld Victoria located at the foot of the Grampians and at the southern tip of Grampians National Park. It is 259 km west of Melbourne via the Glenelg Highway.

Tasmania
Dovecove Motel & Restaurant
Located at Stanley - North Coast of Tasmania - Historic Colonial fishing Village - Georginian Highfield House (circa 1835) - Wilderness to West Coast Tours - Arthur River Cruises & Seal Cruises

Outback NSW
The Crossing Motel at Junee with guided tours of the Roundhouse Railway Museum and Historic Monte Cristo Homestead.
Forbes Lake Motel - near Ben Hall Grave and Bushranger Hall of Fame
Silver City - Broken Hill - Take a tour of the city and the underground mines and galleries

Broome Motel - just 5kms from beautiful Cable Beach and a ten minute walk
from historic China Town. We can also arrange airport transfers.



Tallawong Boutique Cabins Windellama (between Goulburn and Canberra)