Queensland’s Darling Downs set to thrive with $84bn tourism vision
The strength of the agricultural and tourism industries were on full display at the 50th FarmFest, as the state government unveiled a new 20-year tourism plan as well as lofty ambitions for the agricultural industry.
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Treasurer and Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki has unveiled the state government’s new 20-year tourism plan Destination 2045 alongside significant investments into Darling Downs agriculture during FarmFest celebrations.
Destination 2045 is the state government’s new road map to boost Queensland’s tourism industry and aims to more than double the value of visitor expenditure to Queensland’s economy to $84bn in two decades, while employing 25 per cent more Queenslanders.
Queensland tourism currently employs more than 270,000 people and generates $115m a day in visitor expenditure.
Within the Darling Downs, Destination 2045 is set to deliver a number of tourism projects including a new visitor hub and upgraded facilities at Girraween National Park, a $6.46m to upgrade Bunya Mountains National Park and more agritourism experiences like farm stays and paddock-to-plate offerings, helping farmers improve profitability.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said eco-tourism and agritourism would be at the forefront of the investments.
“The Darling Downs is home to the perfect tranquil and relaxing vibe for visitors who want to enjoy our natural assets sustainably and respectfully,” Mr Powell said in a press release.
“Our national park upgrades will ensure that these unique natural landscapes are accessible to all who wish to immerse themselves in nature – from Girraween National Park to Queen Mary Falls.”
Queensland Country Tourism chief executive Pete Homan echoed this.
“Queensland Country is perfectly placed to deliver on this bold plan. With the state’s ambition to double tourism’s contribution to the economy (from $16bn to $32bn annually) and grow total visitor expenditure to $84 billion, now is the time to leverage what makes our region so extraordinary,” he said in a press release
“Nature is king. From our national parks and the iconic Bunya Mountains to our pristine lakes, rivers and gardens, we are committed to keeping them clean, clear and thriving. The government’s renewed focus on protected area tourism gives us a real opportunity to grow sustainably and in line with the state’s eco-tourism Plan.”
“As the second-highest performing regional tourism economy in the state, Queensland Country is ready to step confidently into the future with this ambitious 20-year strategy.”
Mr Janetzki said Darling Downs communities would benefit from tourism investments.
“The natural heritage of the Darling Downs is one of the things that draws visitors to our picturesque region and this investment in infrastructure at some of our most popular eco-tourism sites will enhance that experience,” he said.
“Tourism is a major driver of our state’s economy and growing and improving the opportunities for visitors in places like the Bunya Mountains enables that economic benefit to be shared across the state.
“The tourism investment will be great for locals as well, we know 9 out of 10 tourism operators are small business operators so if we can back them we are contributing to the economic and lifestyle outcomes of our region.”
As Mr Janetzki prepares to deliver the budget on June 24, further announcements are anticipated.
Agricultural investments highlight massive 2025 FarmFest
The 50th annual FarmFest was bigger and better than ever with up to 40,000 guests pouring through the gates across its three days.
Talking at the event Mr Janetzki said the event’s popularity highlighted just how important investment into the agricultural industry was.
“We know 30,000 clocked in as of yesterday and people are pouring in today, events like FarmFest drive economic activity to our region,” he said.
“Hotels are booked right out across the region, people have flooded from near and far to buy machinery, it is driving economic activity and importantly we are selling gear and equipment to producers across Australia.
“This is an important hub it has been on the landscape for 50 years and it brings great ideas, great minds and great businesses together where they can network.
“It is also a great opportunity for us as local representatives to get out there talk to people and learn more about what is happening and the challenges facing the community.”
Alongside the state-government’s Destination 2045 road map Mr Janetzki outlined plans to bolster the agriculture industry, targeting a $30bn value by 2030 and reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing productivity across key sectors while recognising the role of technological advancements in driving economic growth.
“We know that our farmers aren't just resilient and tough but they are damn good scientists and they want to be investing into innovation and technology and that is what’s so exciting about FarmFest,” he said.
“I have re-established the productivity commission here in Queensland so I am really determined we see productivity across all our key sectors.
“We know ag tech and technological advancements actually drive more employment over the long run and more productivity into the sector, we have seen some remarkable technology over the years, I look at over the past 25 years there has been significant advancements.
“There will be more advancement to come and that’s the kind of advancements we need to see to hit that $30bn value.”
Condamine MP Pat Weir said it was great to see representatives from all levels of government coming together for the event.
“It has been a fantastic FarmFest, on Monday we had the Minister for Agriculture on site, yesterday we had the Deputy Premier and today we have the State Treasurer, in the 50 years of FarmFest this is the first time we’ve had such high representation from the state government.”
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Originally published as Queensland’s Darling Downs set to thrive with $84bn tourism vision
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