Editorial: Qld events to generate billion-dollar bonanza

Queensland is going to be awash with major events in the year ahead, writes the editor.

The Gold Coast 600 is one of the state’s premier events.

They are no longer mere shows, concerts, pageants, fairs or even exhibitions but “major events’’, and Queensland is going to be awash with them in 2025.

As we report in today’s edition, Queensland will host a series of blockbuster events this year, injecting an estimated $1bn into the economy.

Tourism and Events Queensland has so far locked in more than 125 events, and there is something to cater for every taste.

From Bluey’s World in Brisbane to the Pacific Airshow on the Gold Coast to Julia Creek’s Dirt and Dust Festival to the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular, and the CMC Rocks country music festival, the state will be using its vast land mass and unique and widely variant scenery to attract both domestic and international visitors.

Sporting fans can enjoy the roar of a crowd at the NRL Magic Round or the British and Irish Lions clash at Suncorp Stadium and the Gold Coast 600 V8 Supercars race.

Major events can trace their modern lineage back to 1851, when the Great Exhibition was held in Hyde Park London and wowed Europe, sparking a succession of similar events from Paris to Chicago.

They are now globally recognised as potential economic powerhouses, if planned and executed properly.

Even the OECD has recognised their influence, noting that expositions, sporting championships, arts festivals and trade fairs can be a catalyst for development at both local and national levels and often encourage external investment, boost tourism, increase trade and bring a community together.

It is to Queensland’s credit that our tourism leaders have long recognised the important role these events play in giving people a reason to travel and attracting visitors in the increasingly competitive post-Covid-19 space.

They have proven themselves to be rolled gold inside the state’s tourism industry, jumping in economic value by roughly $100m in the past year alone.

Our tourism industry, which in the 12 months leading to March 2024 contributed over $34bn to the state economy, is a major pillar in our financial foundations, yet suffered more than any other industry during the Covid-19 years.

Yet tourism has clearly bounced back, drawing in those local and international visitors who can spend more than $93m a day, while playing a key role keeping local economies across the state, from the Whitsundays to Winton, ticking over.

And, as the Queensland Department of Tourism and Sport says, the best is yet to come.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games are regarded as the pinnacle of all global events, and will be for Queensland in 2032 if the state government can get planning back on track.

We Queenslanders should be thankful we are living right here, well positioned in 2025 to take in a range of experiences across our wonderful state without having to book an international flight.

MORE NEEDED FOR SHARK SAFETY

Staggering new data revealing more sharks than ever before have been hooked as part of the statewide control program would send a shiver down the spine of any beach and ocean-loving Queenslander.

A total of 1558 sharks were snagged in drumlines and nets in 2024, according to Department of Agriculture and Fisheries data.

Coupled with the tragic death of beloved school chaplain Luke Walford, 40, last week the immediate instinct would be to push for a larger shark cull and increasing the use of drum lines and nets.

But it’s important we listen to the experts – and they’re saying those measures simply won’t make us safer.

As Griffith University shark researcher Dr Vincent Raoult explains, there is no evidence to show the shark population has actually increased – only that they’re getting better at treating anglers like a fast-food drive through.

Acting Premier Jarrod Bleijie this week proclaimed human safety will come before sharks. And while we agree, it doesn’t need to mean indiscriminate slaughter of a major part of the ecosystem.

At the top of the list of things to do is write a new five-year shark control strategy with new technology, like drones, low-lethality smart drumlines, and a tagging program to be considered as part of the mix.

Queenslanders, especially up north, are well aware of being croc safe. It makes sense too to be shark safe, with those who frequent the ocean to consider if a personal shark deterrent device might suit them.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here