We bought the motel in 2005. We completely re-modelled and upgraded the property with a strong emphasis on minimising our impact on the environment in the construction of the building and the ongoing operations. This is a continuing development at Sandpiper; the following are important points along the way.

Timber

A lot of the timber used in decorating the property was recycled. The beautiful boards used in the lobby are spotted gum from a home in Collingwood. The uprights used in constructing the walkway and the balconies at the front of the motel were taken from a wharf in Cairns. The other external timber is plantation merbau from neighbouring South East Asia.

Water

We installed a couple of large tanks which collect rainwater from the roof. The water collected is used in the laundry and the toilets of some of the rooms. We minimise water consumption across the whole property without effecting the comfort of guests with flow control equipment combined with AAA rated tapware and toilets. We use heat pump hot water services that concentrates the ambient temperature in the atmosphere and heats the water very efficiently. The Federal Government subsidised the price substantially.

Guests on longer stays control their linen changes. All linen is processed on site with modern equipment . The washer minimizes water consumption and also extracts most moisture, so drying time is fast and uses less gas.

We do not water gardens at Sandpiper. We favour drought tolerant mostly native plants and mulch all gardens. We won an award in 2009 from Colac Otway Shire for the Best Commercial Garden.
All external lighting uses fluorescent tubes or low voltage LED systems. In guest rooms we employ modern enviro lighting systems and low energy down lights. We use modern split air-conditioning units for heating and cooling. Internal walls are covered in plaster, and roof spaces fully insulated.