The Palaszczuk Government's election commitment to deliver new attractions and tourism infrastructure in Queensland this term will deliver $235.6 million in construction work and create more than 1200 jobs throughout the state this year.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kates Jones said the Palaszczuk Government was the first in Queensland history to deliver a series of dedicated tourism infrastructure funds, designed to partner with the private sector to improve the state's tourism offering.
In total, the government's Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund, Great Barrier Reef Rejuvenation Fund, Outback Tourism Fund and the Attracting Tourism Fund will bring almost 900,000 more tourists to Queensland and generate almost $106 million for local businesses each year.
"Tourism employs one in 10 Queenslanders. New infrastructure is vital when it comes to keeping these jobs in our state and supporting this industry to grow in the future," Ms Jones said.
"This year will be massive. Right across the state we've got new attractions and infrastructure coming on line in 2020.
"From Cairns to Coolangatta we are investing in new tourism infrastructure projects to create jobs in Queensland."
Projects coming on line include:
- Scenic Rim - 6 day walk
- Longreach - Qantas Founders Museum Light and Sound Show
- Yelarbon – Art Silo Project
- Barcaldine – Freedom Parks
- Aramac – Yambangku Aboriginal Eco Tourism
- Julia Creek – Artesian Baths
- Mt Isa – Riversleigh Fossil Centre revitalisation
- Longreach – Eco-lodges
- Birdsville – Courthouse hologram project
- Bundaberg – Lady Musgrave Island Pontoon
- Cunnamulla – New historical theatre and historical building upgrade
- Hamilton Island – Passage Peak viewing platform, upgraded walking trails and a new ferry terminal
- Green Island – refurbished dining area
- Pelorus Island – new high-end boutique retreat
- Hook Island – new day visitor access to the revitalised eco-resort site
- Lady Elliot Island – enhanced volunteer accommodation hub
"No matter where you look, we've got a project that will be a boon for the local tourism industry," said Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones.
"The LNP cut $188 million from this industry.
"At the last election we sent a clear message to the state's tourism sector. We restored the funding cut by the LNP and have invested more in this sector than any government in Queensland's history.
"With floods, fires and now the coronavirus, tourism operators are doing it tough. That's why this new infrastructure is more important now than ever before. "
