Minister for the Environment and Tourism speaks on Destination 2045 tourism plan

Hoping to capitalise on the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, the state government have announced their plan to showcase Queensland as a tourism hot spot, saying Townsville is a vital part of the plan.

Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole, Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell and Member for Townsville Adam Baillie.

Launching a 20-year vision to capitalise on the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell unveiled the plan, which aims to ensure visitors stay and explore the whole state beyond Brisbane’s sporting spectacle.

“The Crisafulli Government is determined to make our great state the Number One destination in Australia again,” he said.

Mr Powell was joined by Member for Townsville Adam Baillie and Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole in Townsville on Thursday morning to launch the The Destination 2045: Queensland’s Tourism Future plan, which is open for consultation until the end of February 2025 and aims to deliver tourism growth, support jobs and speed-up infrastructure needed across the state.

“We gave a commitment that we would prepare a 20-year tourism plan for the state of Queensland and today we’re kicking off consultation with the community, with tourism operators and with tourism stakeholders,” Mr Powell said.

“We have a green and gold runway in lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, it’s an opportunity we cannot waste.”

Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole, Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell and Member for Townsville Adam Baillie.

“If we do not achieve a decade or two of legacy for out tourism operators here in this state following the Olympics, we have wasted that opportunity.”

With a focus on regional and eco-tourism, the Mr Powell said the government plans to consult with more than 70 stakeholders across the state with a focus on long-term economic benefits.

The consultations will inform investment plans and future developments.

“We know in places like Townsville, it’s a vital part of the broader economy. We make to make sure people come all over the state. We don’t just want to go to the Gold Coast and Cairns, we want them to come to Townsville or visit Magnetic Island, go and have a look at some of the surrounding national parks,” he said.

Also visiting Palm Island while in Townsville the Minister said another one of the LNP’s election commitments was $4.9 million to establish walking tracks on the island and a public toilet at the ferry terminal.

Palm Island. Picture: Evan Morgan

“An opportunity for tourists to get out among nature but equally be guided by local hosts who will share the cultural heritage, the traditional owners stories of Palm Island,” he said.

Mr Powell said to kick start their tourism plan Palm Island would receive $500,000 this financial year, with the government working closely with Palm Island Mayor Alfred Lacey.

“It’s exactly what the council have asked for,” Mr Powell said.

When asked about Palm Island’s low level of accommodation and restaurants for tourists, Mr Powell said the 20 year tourism plan provides the opportunity to see what is needed.

“We want to hear what else is needed to ensure that we deliver the best product on Palm, Townsville, out on the reef and across Queensland,” he said.

Aerial view of the stadium and Townsville City

Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said he had heard a lot of feedback that the previous government was ‘all about the southeast corner’ but said that won’t be the way anymore with the LNP government,

“I am a very strong advocate for Townsville,” he said.

“The good thing is the whole government’s behind us, so were not battling the southeast corner.”

Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole said there was no better job to represent the area you love.

“This is so very exciting to actually be able to develop, in consultation with our tourism operators, a plan in moving Townsville and North Queensland forward over the next 20 years,” she said.

“I really urge all our tourism operators, all of our young entrepreneurs, our mum and dad businesses to jump on and have their say.”

To view the Destination 2045: Queensland’s Future Tourism discussion paper and complete the online survey visit the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation website.

Originally published as Minister for the Environment and Tourism speaks on Destination 2045 tourism plan