Labor and LNP agree: North Queensland’s got the eco-tourism potential to outstrip Tasmania
A push for North Queensland to become Australia’s home of eco-tourism has emerged as tourists shift to domestic travel amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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A push for North Queensland to become Australia’s home of eco-tourism has emerged as tourists shift to domestic travel amid the coronavirus pandemic.
With “no better time to invest” in eco-tourism, both the state government and opposition can agree the region has the goods to rival Tasmania — especially in the winter.
LNP tourism spokesman David Crisafulli on Friday called on the state government to push forward with “stalled” projects.
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The three projects: Paluma to Wallaman Falls multi-day trail, Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island and Dungeness marine access have all been identified as key projects which could develop the region’s tourism industry.
The government is working with traditional owners on the Paluma to Wallaman Falls trail as part of a business case, Hinchinbrook Shire Council has nearly got the dredging at Dungeness over the line and in 2018 Tourism Minister Kate Jones called for investors to develop the Thorsborne Trail.
Townsville Enterprise visitor economy and marketing director Lisa Woolfe said research had suggested that post-COVID, the eco-tourism sector would flourish.
“Therefore it is vital we continue to build on our current product offerings and how we position our destination,” she said.
“Hiking and mountain biking is a key growth segment and global trend within the tourism industry.”
Ms Woolfe said there had been work done to build on and enhance eco-tourism experiences in the region like the Museum of Underwater Art and the redevelopment of Reef HQ.
“But further investment in key priority projects such as regional trail development, Dungeness marine access, the North Queensland Country Club and Equestrian Centre, and Wongaloo, will all contribute to growing our tourism experiences, and expedite the region’s recovery post-COVID-19,” she said.
Broadwater MP Mr Crisafulli said it was time for these projects to be completed so North Queensland could take advantage of its natural environment.
“They also realise it gives them a competitive point of difference and this is more pronounced in an era where tourists want to avoid packed areas,” he said.
Ms Jones said the state government wanted to invest in the industry as eco tourists were likely to stay longer.
“We want to make North Queensland an eco-tourism hub to rival Tasmania,” she said.
“The Paluma to Wallaman Falls trail and the Cardwell hiking and mountain biking proposal are two in the region that we’re currently working on with traditional owners.
“The business case for the Paluma to Wallaman Falls trail is currently being completed.
“We’ve got the Reef, World Heritage-listed rainforests and warm weather — we’re going to give the Tasmanians a run for their money.”
Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Raymond Jayo said dredging at Dungeness and Forest Beach was key to unlocking the area’s sea access.
Silt has built up in the Dungeness channel and boaties cannot cross at low tide. Cr Jayo said a tourism operator cannot run a business by a tide book. He said the dredging of the two areas was key to allowing the region to prosper on more than just agriculture.
But the mayor said although the council had lodged a development application to dredge at Dungeness, it was still waiting on final approvals.
“We’re finally in a position after four years, we’ve met all their (the state government) requirements,” Cr Jayo said.
“What we’re asking for is consideration to be given to expediting the approval process.”
Originally published as Labor and LNP agree: North Queensland’s got the eco-tourism potential to outstrip Tasmania
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