Tourism Minister Kate Jones has revealed new data that shows the Palaszczuk Government has invested $115 million in new tourism infrastructure to deliver 73 projects, leveraging nearly $200 million from the private sector and creating around 1800 jobs. While COVID-19 has delayed the completion date for a number of projects, Ms Jones said of the projects delivered by the government, 24 were already built with another dozen expected to be complete by Christmas. “From day one, we recognised the importance of investing in infrastructure to grow our tourism industry and create jobs,” Ms Jones said. “Now – at a time we need it most – these projects are being completed and really benefitting Queenslanders. “Right throughout the state, we’re partnering with the private sector to deliver projects that are creating jobs and pumping millions of dollars into local businesses.” Ms Jones said the $115 million invested in new tourism attractions included $25 million invested to deliver projects on twelve Great Barrier Reef Islands. “Already we’ve seen the huge difference our Great Barrier Reef island rejuvenation package is having for tourism operators in Central Queensland and North Queensland,” she said. “Resorts on Wilson, Green, Bedarra, Lady Elliot, Orpheus, Hayman and Hamilton islands have all reopened with new visitor infrastructure delivered in partnership with the Palaszczuk Government and they’re pumping millions of dollars back into the economy.” Ms Jones said the data released would only improve in the future, with an extra $25 million announced by the Premier in May to deliver new tourism infrastructure. “The response to this latest funding has been overwhelming,” Ms Jones said. “This week we’ve announced an extra four shovel-ready projects in Cairns that will create even more jobs in the future. “We restored the $188 million cut from tourism by the LNP. And we’re investing more in this sector than any government in Queensland’s history because we know how important the tourism sector will be to rebuilding our economy.”
Attractions open in time for the September school holidays include:
- First ever ecotourism experience in a national park at O’Reilly’s
- New tourism experience at Peter Faust Dam (Lake Proserpine)
Attractions open in time for the Christmas holidays include:
- Australia’s largest superyacht berth at the Southport Yacht Club
- New pontoon at Lady Musgrave island
- Charleville Cosmos Centre
- New education centre at Minjerribah (North Straddie)
- Historical tourism experience at the old Birdsville Courthouse
- Charleville outback experience
- New pontoon at Arlington Reef and construction of a semi-sub vessel to be used at Fitzroy Island
- New light and sound show at the Qantas Museum in Longreach
- New historical rail experience at Cunnamulla
- New pontoon at Lady Musgrave island
Attractions delivered recently include:
- Dinosaur Dreaming Trail in Winton
- Stage 1 of the Museum of Underwater Art in Townsville
- Desert Dreaming Centre in Barcaldone
- New auditorium and marquee at Hamilton Island
- Cobbold Gorge glass-bottomed bridge
- Underwater sculptures in the Whitsundays
- Major upgrades to Orpheus Island
- Ecotourism huts, baths and other infrastructure at Julia Creek
- New Indigenous tourism experience near Barcaldine
- Major upgrades to Hinchinbrook Island resort
- Six day Scenic Rim trail walk
- Major upgrades to camping parks in Barcaldine
- Major upgrades to Wilson Island
- Major upgrades to the Riversleigh Fossil Centre at Mount Isa
- Eco-camping experience at Longreach
- Major upgrades to Green Island
- Major upgrades to the Hill Inlet Lookout at the Whitsundays
- Qantas Super Constellation at Longreach
- Reefworld pontoon at Hardy Reef in the Whitsundays
- Walking trails on Border, Langford and Haslewood Islands
- New pool, water slide and water play facilities at Queens Beach Bowen
- Bowen Visitor Information Centre virtual reality experience showcasing the Whitsundays
