Outback Queensland set to shine

Visitors to Queensland could soon be swapping humdrum hotels for secluded shearers quarters and homesteads, under a new plan to repurpose facilities through outback Queensland’s national parks.

National Parks Minister Steve Dickson today met with industry representatives at the DestinationQ tourism conference, and urged them to consider the State’s more remote parks.

“Queensland’s outback has many unique experiences and we’d like to create a network of opportunities with existing pastoral buildings to encourage visitors to stay longer,” Mr Dickson said.

“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has identified many facilities with re-use potential, including communal facilities for grey nomads and bunkhouses for voluntourism.

“There’s a wealth of opportunities in the outback, including the shearers’ quarters on Lochern, Diamantina, Currawinya, Welford and Moorrinya National Parks, and homesteads on Blackbraes and Chesterton Range National Parks.”

“Tourism is one of the four pillars of our economy and the Newman Government will work with the industry to develop ecotourism and grow visitor expenditure.”

Mr Dickson said amendments to the Nature Conservation Act would allow the development of privately owned, permanent ecotourism facilities on national parks in Queensland for the first time.

“Interested parties are invited to submit proposals for new, innovative concepts through the Expression of Interest (EOI) for Ecotourism Facilities on National Parks process closing 27 September 2013,” Mr Dickson said.

Expressions of interest for ecotourism facilities on parks can be submitted online at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 28 August 2013

Contact: Michelle Buckworth 0477 340 974