Budget boost injects $80 million into regional tourism with bush operator boost

From indigenous experiences in Rossville and bush stays in Chewko to luxury glamping in Cape York, bush tourism operators have received a much-needed boost with a fresh cash splash.

Mareeba Bush Stays will use the funding for the addition of four eco tents to the existing caravan park to increase visitor capacity. Photo: Supplied

Bush tourism operators in the Far North are set to benefit from a $10m state government initiative.

Indigenous experiences in Rossville, bush stays in Chewko, and luxury glamping in Cape York are just some of the experiences among a list of 57 state wide set to be boosted under the Building Bush Tourism initiative.

“My first budget as Premier is investing in projects from Cape York to Ballandean, Kuranda

to Quilpie, ensuring that our hardworking regional tourism operators can continue to offer

first class experiences to visitors from across Australia and the world,” Premier Steven Miles said.

Mareeba Bush Stays will use the funding for the addition of four eco tents to the existing caravan park to increase visitor capacity. Photo: Supplied

The fund delivers grants of $50,000 to $200,000 for tourism operators, not-for-profit organisations and local councils to create new or enhanced infrastructure or deliver community and cultural experiences which improve local lifestyles while also driving visitation.

It’s estimated the 57 projects generate 234 jobs during planning and construction and 229

ongoing operational jobs.

The upgraded and additional tourism infrastructure is tipped to attract an additional 298,509

visitors per year, increasing overnight visitor expenditure by more than $80 million per

annum.

“We want to encourage as many people as possible to experience the wonders of Outback

Queensland,” Tourism Minister Michael Healy said.

“From the dusty Outback to the lush Daintree, I’m looking forward to seeing the 57 Building

Bush Tourism projects funded by our Government emerge on Queensland’s regional tourism

landscape.”

Capta Group owner Ben Woodward with Minister for tourism Michael Healy get up close with Pavvy the koala and grugg the carpet python with one of the centres wildlife handlers. Photo: Dylan Nicholson

Thirteen projects were selected in Tropical North Queensland.

Among the recipients was the new Cairns Koalas and Creatures attraction which will use the funding to construct a water focused environmental science exhibit.

“The tourism industry is still recovering we are not quite back to pre-covid numbers, however with assistance we are able to continue that road to recovery,” CAPTA group owner Ben Woodward said.

“We are developing water science zone with a number of interactive activities for kids learning at the role of water conservation with a real focus on how the outback can experience drought.”

Other projects include an expansion of Mareeba Bush stays with an addition of four eco tents, luxury safari tents at Cape Weymouth Camping and Cabins in Cape York, a crocwise experience at Hartleys Creek Crocodile Farm, and the Wawu Dimbi Eco-Cultural Tourism Bush Camp in the Daintree.

Originally published as Budget boost injects $80 million into regional tourism with bush operator boost