Gold Coast cableway: New Premier David Crisafulli reveals reason behind tourism and environment decision

Hopeful Coast tourism operators whose pitches have previously fallen on deaf ears have been urged to try again.

Hopeful Coast tourism operators whose pitches have previously fallen on deaf ears have been urged to try again.

Mayor Tom Tate, buoyed by new Premier David Crisafulli’s bullish attitude towards tourism infrastructure, said the city was again open for business.

Beyond a mooted cableway in the Gold Coast Hinterland, the Mayor said he knew of several proposals which could come off the shelf and back on the agenda.

“For sure, I’ve got projects there which people have been presented to me but for one reason or another (didn’t happen) regarding the roadblocks, (even though) it’s all there,” he said.

“I’ve got a list I will send out and say there’s been a change of government and the political will is there.

“At a council level you already know we want to diversify out tourism investment for the city, like wave parks.

“Things will come, you’ll see in the next five years and that’s a wonderful thing for the city.”

Mr Crisafulli on Friday unveiled his new Cabinet, including handing over the tourism portfolio to Environment Minister Andrew Powell despite promising only days earlier to retain the role himself.

Mr Crisafulli defended the decision, arguing the industry was so critical that it required a Minister’s full attention and his plan to bring environmental tourism to the fore meant Mr Powell was the logical choice to hold the role.

“I love the tourism industry and it’s really important but the single biggest challenge for tourism at the moment remains getting product to market,” he said.

“I don’t think that could happen, having spent the (past week) looking at some of the reasons why those decisions have been blocked, I just don’t think that even with the gravitas of attaching Tourism to the Office of the Premier that it would be able to break up that inertia that’s within the environment department.”

The Premier on Friday also appointed former Destination Gold Coast boss Patricia O’Callaghan as the new Director General in charge of tourism.

Ms O’Callaghan, who lives on the Gold Coast, was CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Mr Tate welcomed the appointment.

“She has a great heart, a fantastic way to communicate and it is the best choice you could get.

“I am so pleased.”

How Crisafulli move opens door to controversial GC cableway

Mayor Tom Tate has backed new Premier David Crisafulli’s push to put tourism front-and-centre of his government, saying it is the key to unlocking economic prosperity.

Mr Crisafulli on Friday unveiled his new Cabinet, including handing over the tourism portfolio to Environment Minister Andrew Powell despite promising only days earlier to retain the role himself.

Mr Crisafulli defended the decision, arguing the industry was so critical that it required a Minister’s full attention and his plan to bring environmental tourism to the fore meant Mr Powell was the logical choice to hold the role.

Premier David Crisafulli in his new, office at 1 William, Brisbane. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

Among those projects he hopes to green light is a cableway in the Gold Coaster Hinterland.

“I love the tourism industry and it’s really important but the single biggest challenge for tourism at the moment remains getting product to market,” he said.

“I don’t think that could happen, having spent the (past week) looking at some of the reasons why those decisions have been blocked, I just don’t think that even with the gravitas of attaching Tourism to the Office of the Premier that it would be able to break up that inertia that’s within the environment department.

“Tourism is important to me and I want to see product development and I want Queenslanders to know the person who will be charged with that responsibility and the person who will be held accountable for it is someone who has a track record of delivery as a Minister who worked really well with that Environment Department and attaching tourism with that, in my mind, gives us the opportunity to finally deliver new product.

The new Premier backs a cableway in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

“Have a look in the last decade and compare what Queensland has delivered compared to other states, We’ve got the best natural assets but we just haven’t been able to get those products to market.

“I am deeply passionate about the tourism industry, and I do believe this is the way forward, having spent the past week reflecting on that.”

The new Premier on Friday night also appointed former Destination Gold Coast boss Patricia O’Callaghan as the new Director General in charge of tourism.

Ms O’Callaghan, who lives on the Gold Coast, was CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Mr Tate backed Mr Crisafulli’s moves and said a vibrant tourism sector was key to the state’s economy.

“We welcome the new Premier and government’s focus on tourism, especially eco-tourism,” he said.

“

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. Picture, John Gass

We need to keep updating and adding new tourism offerings to keep visitors coming back. Just as we have successfully diversified the Gold Coast economy, my plan is to diversify our tourism offerings and eco-tourism is central to this.

“I look forward to working with the Government to keep growing our tourism sector.”

Meanwhile, Gold Coast MPs have spent the weekend going through their Ministerial briefs after being appointed to Cabinet on Friday.

Bonney MP Sam O’Connor welcomed his appointment as Housing and Youth Minister and what those portfolios could positively achieve for the Gold Coast.

“It’s an enormous honour. I think it’s a good thing that Housing and Youth are paired together,” he said.

Premier David Crisafulli has his first ministry, which includes give Gold Coasters, himself included. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

“Because the biggest issue facing young people is housing. I will be working closely with the Treasurer, who is also the Minister for Home Ownership, on that side of the portfolio. It also includes Public Works, which is a massive portfolio.

“And Youth will include night-life economy. That will be very important for the Gold Coast with the live music scene, which I’m keen to work on as well.”

New Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said he was “absolutely honoured” to receive the portfolio he previously held during the Newman government and described it as a “wonderful opportunity”.

“It’s the most positive portfolio because it's all about the kids and there are 88,000 employees and 2000 schools in the sector,” he said.