Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Bligh Government launches project to help Scenic Rim farmers diversify into tourism

A $100,000 agri-tourism project launched today in Beaudesert will help grow the Scenic Rim’s developing agri-tourism sector, assisting local businesses further supplement the yield from their land through tourism, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said.

Mr Lawlor said the Tourism Queensland and Scenic Rim Regional Council jointly-funded initiative would be rolled out by Southern Cross University over the next two years.

"Agri-tourism provides a unique position for the Scenic Rim as part of a wider South East Queensland experience,” Mr Lawlor said.

“This project aims to support local producers in establishing value-adding farm enterprises that may include manufacturing and sales at the farm door or farmers markets, nature-based tourism-related activities and on-farm experiences for leisure or education.

“The products being developed by this initiative will also feature in mainstream tourism marketing, with a move towards encouraging longer stays in the region through greater promotion of the Scenic Rim experience.

“The Scenic Rim region has so much to offer visitors already and this project will add even more diversity to local tourism products, giving businesses a chance to look at other ways they can put themselves on the local tourism map.

“The fast-growing agri-tourism sector is a perfect example of how the industry in the Scenic Rim can continue to grow.

“Southern Cross University has been engaged to deliver the program over two years and has already identified opportunities to forge stronger links between tourism and the agricultural sector.

“Community members from the Scenic Rim are being invited to nominate for the project’s advisory group and I encourage local businesses to contact Southern Cross University to become involved.”

The Mayor of Scenic Rim Regional Council Cr John Brent said agriculture was a strong and viable industry in the Scenic Rim.

“This project will assist in ensuring long-term, sustainable growth throughout the region by adding value and increased awareness,” Cr Brent said.

“We are very supportive of this project and can see that it will open many doors for Scenic Rim agri-business.

“Community involvement and participation is the key to the success of this project and I feel sure that our business community won’t miss the chance to be a part of it.”

Rose Wright, Manager of Research Extension and Industry Development for the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Southern Cross University, said producers could learn more about the initiative at a number of field days planned to soon be held in the region.

“Producers will be advised on how they can expand their operations to incorporate a tourism element,” Mrs Wright said.

“The development of new food, agri and nature-based tourism experiences and products in the Scenic Rim will reinforce the appeal of the region as a tourism destination.

“Local businesses with an interest should apply for the project advisory group, whether they be local farmers, chefs, tourism operators or anyone interested supporting the development of the Scenic Rim as a food and agri-tourism destination.”

Local individual or organisations interested in joining the project group can apply through Southern Cross University.

Nominees must be from the Scenic Rim region and must be received by COB Monday 1 November 2009.

For further information and to request a copy of the nomination form, please contact Robyn Rae at Southern Cross University, Tel: 07 5506 9327 or email: sr.agritourism@scu.edu.au


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Minister’s Office - 3225 1005
Tourism Queensland - 3535 5356

---