- Round 2 of the Growing Future Tourism program set to open on 22 March
- $15 million available for infrastructure projects that have a lasting impact
- Between $1 million and $4 million available per project
The Miles Government has made another $15 million available for significant tourism infrastructure projects in Queensland that will have an immediate and lasting impact on the tourism industry.
The Growing Future Tourism program provides funding of between $1 million and $4 million per project, with private investment to at least match the Government's commitment.
The projects will have a positive impact on focus areas such as coastal and marine tourism, heritage and cultural tourism, ecotourism and sustainability.
Expressions of Interest will be open for five weeks from 22 March 2024, with shortlisted candidates invited to submit a Full Business Case.
The successful recipients will be announced in September 2024, with all projects to be completed by 31 March, 2027.
Applicants who missed out on Round 1 are encouraged to re-apply, after five outstanding projects shared in $15 million funding, including:
- New eco-cabins to be built at Australia Zoo
- A new research and training precinct at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital
- A 42-berth marina to be built at Raptis Seafood, Murarrie
- A Marine Tourism Hub for Flinders Street Wharves in Townsville
- A 50-metre jetty to be constructed at Lindeman Island Resort
Those five projects will support an estimated 313 jobs during planning and construction and 669 ongoing operational jobs, while attracting more than 216,000 extra visitors per year, who will spend an additional $63 million.
Quotes attributable to Tourism Minister Michael Healy:
"The real beauty of the Growing Future Tourism Round 1 was that we saw five uniquely Queensland projects being delivered that stretched right across the state.
"The $15 million Miles Government investment leverages a further $66 million in private investment to make them happen, building tourism infrastructure that will attract visitors long into the future.
"In Round 2 we'll be looking closely at those areas of coastal and marine tourism, heritage and cultural tourism, ecotourism and sustainability, that have been identified as being important priorities for visitors who are planning a holiday.
"Growing Future Tourism will help us fulfil the Queensland Government's Towards Tourism 2032 strategy and make the state Australia's destination of choice for quality visitor experiences by 2032, generating $44 billion in annual visitor spend.
"This sort of funding would be at risk under an LNP Government.
"The Miles Labor Government invests in tourism, in contrast, when the LNP's David Crisafulli was last in Government they cut $188 million from the tourism budget."
Quotes attributable to Tony Jia, Director, Wellsmart Group – recipient of Growing Future Tourism Round 1 funding for a jetty at Lindeman Island.
"We are immensely grateful for the government's support and trust in our vision for Lindeman Island.
"We believe this grant is a great boost in confidence and will become a pivotal step towards the makeover of Lindeman Island resort.
"Club Med Lindeman Island was once an iconic destination for Australia but has been abandoned since 2012, it is very unfortunate to witness such a stunning island getting forgotten.
"The grant marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and we will proudly announce that Lindeman Island will become a beacon of sustainable development."
Quotes attributable to Australia Zoo Wildlife Conservationist Terri Irwin – recipient of Growing Future Tourism Round 1 funding for eco-cabins.
"We would like to thank the Queensland Government for their support in helping us expand The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, Australia Zoo's stunning luxury accommodation.
"We're thrilled to begin construction on the next set of cabins, creating an exceptional experience for guests in their cherished home away from home.
"The Crocodile Hunter Lodge offers a unique experience as guests are surrounded by beautiful wildlife and the natural environment, receiving plenty of inclusions in their stay such as unlimited entry to Australia Zoo, complimentary breakfast at our fine-dining venue, Warrior Restaurant & Bar, exclusive access to the Lodge's infinity pool and more.
"It's a harmonious blend of luxury and nature, made possible by the support of the Queensland Government."
