Cash injection for new Queensland tourism projects

Visitors to Queensland will enjoy new attractions with over $2.1 million to be invested in a range of tourism initiatives including life-size dinosaurs, new walkways and viewing platforms, guided tours and interactive touch screens at locations all around the state.

Minister for Tourism Kate Jones said these infrastructure projects would help to attract more visitors and offer an even better traveller experience.

“The funds are being provided through the Commonwealth’s Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure (TDDI) program which provides Queensland with $7.8 million to be invested in local projects over four years,” she said.

“Eight exciting projects will begin in 2015-16 with works to be carried out in Charters Towers, Gladstone, Emu Park near Yeppoon, Ingham, Winton and Maleny.

“The diversity of the projects reflects the variety of Queensland’s tourism’s sights and activities.”

Senator Richard Colbeck, Commonwealth Minister for Tourism and International Education, said the projects would drive demand and improve the quality of tourism infrastructure in Queensland.

“The Commonwealth Government is providing $43.1 million over four years to the states and territories for their tourism infrastructure needs through the Tourism Demand-Driver Infrastructure (TDDI) Programme,” Minister Colbeck said.

“Projects will help the industry to meet Tourism 2020 targets to ensure businesses remain sustainable and profitable into the future.”

Projects include:

Wi-Fi infrastructure

$200,000 to support the development of an expanded network of free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout Queensland.  The project builds on the success of the pilot projects in phase one and continues to target identified priorities including the aim the have all Visitor Information Centres providing free Wi-Fi for tourists.  It will provide opportunities for tourism businesses to promote their products, and for tourists to access use friendly visitor information and to share their experiences.

TripAdvisor capability workshops

$40,670 to engageTripAdvisor to deliver capability workshops to tourism operators and representatives in five locations across Queensland.  The workshops will provide tips and tools for monitoring and improving a business’ online reputation to attract visitors and assess performance.  These are critical capabilities in the highly competitive and global tourism industry.

Charters Towers

$68,925 to install interactive tourist information signs with directions to Towers Hill. The WWII Bunker Development will be updated and made more interactive, and the Towers Hill Boardwalk and Lookout will have updated interpretive and way-finding signage, and an all-weather telescope installed. There will be touch screen structures for tourism information placed in parks at two high traffic stopping areas.

Gladstone Harbour

$116,950 to make the HMAS Gladstone safe for public access and guided tours. Work will include an access walkway and painting of the deck and superstructure.

Emu Park

$135,650 for the construction of a gallery deck and a viewing platform. In addition to the raised platform with panoramic ocean views, there will be seating and new signage.

Ingham

$150,000 for the Tully Street redevelopment which is the tourism portion of a three-stage process to redevelop Ingham. Work will include new signage and lighting, and road works to better cater for recreational vehicles. The Tully Street redevelopment will improve connections from the town centre to the TYTO precinct with its 90 hectares of natural wetlands with tourist facilities.

Winton

$395,500 for upgrades and further development of theAustralian Age of Dinosaurs – Outdoor Galleries. Works will include the construction of a concrete sauropod skeleton, life-size bronze dinosaurs, an outpost shelter and amenities, and roadworks.

Maleny

$1 million to redevelop the existing visitor facility at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. Work will include refurbishing existing and constructing new structures at the discovery centre, the viewing deck, elevated ramp running alongside the rainforest, and the café with indoor and outdoor seating, and meeting room/theatrette.

 Media Contact:           Minister Jones’ office               07 3719 7547 

                                    Minister Colbeck’s office        03 6424 5960