Local innovators tackle ecotourism sustainability challenges

Issued: 20 October 2026

Two Queensland businesses have been selected to pilot innovative solutions which strengthen waste management practices and visitor experiences at ecotourism sites across the state.

Sunshine Coast-based companies Leakster Operations and HazView have each secured $100,000 in funding through the Private Sector Pathways (PSP) Program – Ecotourism Waste and Sustainability Challenges, to develop and trial their technologies.

Leakster Operations’ waste solution – Overflow – is a smart monitoring platform that predicts bin and toilet asset fill levels in real time. The offline data can then be used by rangers to care for these ecotourism sites.

The technology helps identify when servicing is required, improving waste collection efficiency and helping keep Queensland’s ecotourism visitor amenities clean and well maintained.

Leakster Operations CEO and founder Sara Richardson said this funding from the Private Sector Pathways Program lets us take technology that's already proving itself in Queensland's water networks and apply it to a new and important challenge – protecting our ecotourism sites.

“Overflowing bins and toilets are more than an inconvenience. They damage the visitor experience and put pressure on the natural environment these sites are meant to protect,” Ms Richardson said.

“By predicting fill levels, we can help Rangers and ecotourism site mangers prioritise their time and keep these places clean and welcoming for the millions of visitors who rely on them.”

HazView’s sustainability solution will help visitors better plan and navigate their travel at Queensland ecotourism sites, by giving them access to interactive online and offline maps with real-time visitor information, local conditions and safety advice.

The platform’s monitoring feature will also help site managers and rangers better manage visitor demands to support safer, more efficient visitor experiences.

HazView Director Doctor Sam Hislop-Lynch said the platform allows visitors to explore Queensland’s beautiful ecotourism sites responsibly and with total confidence.

“By bringing real-time maps and safety advice directly to a visitor's phone, visitors can easily look at the information relevant to them and know exactly what they can and can’t do,” Dr Hislop-Lynch said.

“This platform will also give on-the-ground rangers the ability to address issues the moment they arise, ensuring both the environment and visitor experience are looked after.”

DETSI Deputy Director-General of Tourism Bridget Woods said Queensland is home to some remarkable ecotourism destinations, and we're backing local innovators to help protect them for future generations.

“Leakster Operations and HazView have developed solutions that could improve the way we manage waste, support visitors and protect our natural assets,” Ms Woods said.

“Through Destination 2045, we're positioning Queensland as a global tourism leader, creating opportunities for businesses to help us solve complex challenges while delivering benefits for Queensland’s tourism industry and the environment.”

The PSP Program helps Queensland small and medium enterprises work with government and industry partners to demonstrate and commercialise innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

These challenges are being delivered through the 20-year tourism plan Destination 2045.

Website: https://innovation.qld.gov.au/grants-and-programs/private-sector-pathways-program