Queensland’s best environmental assets will be put on show to the world, under a new eco-tourism plan to boost visitor numbers in our State’s protected areas.
Premier Anna Bligh today announced that the Queensland Government will be seeking expressions of interest from private investors, to establish eco-tourism holiday accommodation at seven destinations throughout the state.
The seven areas identified under the plan are:
- Eurong on Fraser Island;
- Wallaman Falls at Girringun, west of Cardwell;
- Ninny Rise at Mission Beach;
- Jonah Bay at Whitsunday;
- Mount Mee, D’Aguilar National Park;
- Green Mountain, Lamington National Park; and
- Cowan South on Moreton Island.
“Nothing like this has ever been done in Queensland’s national parks before and it comes after talks with tourism and environmental groups,” Ms Bligh said.
“No one wants to see five star resorts in our National Parks.
“This is about tapping into the growing eco-tourism market by showcasing some of our best environmental assets on show, while ensuring they’re properly protected.
“For years other states have successfully rolled out low impact accommodation in or adjacent to their most popular parks.
“For instance, on the edge of the world-heritage listed Cradle Mountain in Tasmania there is an eco-friendly tourist lodge; Victoria’s Wilsons Promontory National Park features non-intrusive safari tents; and visitors can stay in small huts at Western Australia’s Karijini National Park.
“Under our plan, eco-accommodation such as semi-permanent safari tents will be established with tight environmental controls – to ensure minimal environmental impact.
“Introducing more people into our National Parks will not only be a major boost for tourism, it will help to build awareness about conservation, and encourage more people to appreciate and respect our incredible natural environment.
“Eco-tourism is becoming more and more popular around the world, and it’s a market Queensland simply can not afford to miss out on.”
Climate Change Minister Kate Jones said the new infrastructure would be operated and built by private companies but it would remain under state ownership.
“The State would lease the facilities to private operators and invest the yearly income back into the same national park for continual improvement and conservation,” Ms Jones said.
“Queensland is the most naturally diverse and beautiful state in Australia.
“I want to raise the profile of Queensland’s significant environmental values.
“Put simply, we’re selling our natural destinations too short by not providing visitor choice to stay and experience them.”
Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said nature-based tourism was a major sector of Queensland’s tourism industry.
“It’s increasingly recognised as providing a competitive edge for the State in the international and domestic marketplace,” Mr Lawlor said.
“There’s plenty of people who overlook all that we have to offer because the accommodation is not as sophisticated as what they’re expecting.
“Our protected areas are fundamental to the success of the tourism industry, attracting more than 16 million visits each year.
“They also make a significant economic contribution - recent research estimates spending by tourists who visited Queensland’s national parks as part of their trip amounts to $4.43 billion annually, or approximately 28 per cent of total tourist spending in Queensland.
“Even though this is a significant slice of economic activity, the State Government believes there’s room for growth and this new form of accommodation in Queensland parks could hold the key.
“Thousands of campers ‘rough it’ in our parks every month and will continue to do so but these facilities are expected to bring people who would not have otherwise contemplated visiting and enjoying what we have to offer.”
Ms Jones has directed the Department of Environment and Resource Management to take a cautious approach to investigating these options maintaining tight controls on the development of infrastructure and operational activities.
DERM and Tourism Queensland will continue to consult with stakeholders to decide on the best shape and fit for the projects.
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