Crisafulli Government to boost agritourism with new planning guidance

• The Crisafulli Government releases new planning guidance to boost agritourism development across Queensland.
• Part of broader planning reforms to unlock regional tourism and support farm-based enterprise.
• Puts policy into practice delivering on the Crisafulli Government’s 20-year tourism plan – Destination 2045.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and a plan for Queensland’s future.  

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland, after releasing new planning guidance today that encourages councils to support agritourism ventures, including farm stays, cellar doors, and food experiences through their local planning schemes. 

It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future and supporting agritourism ventures, as part of broader reforms to unlock regional tourism and support farm-based enterprise. 

The changes mean Councils now have the information they need to take advantage and improve regional tourism, after a decade of decline under Labor. It’s all part of the Crisafulli Government’s 20-year tourism plan – Destination 2045. 

Agritourism provides farmers with opportunities to diversify income streams and improve on-farm profitability. It also fosters community identity, promotes sustainable environmental practices, builds greater appreciation and engagement in agricultural practices, and strengthens regional economies. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the guidance delivered on the Crisafulli Government's commitment to grow regional economies and back small business. 

“Labor ignored Queensland’s regions when it came to investment and opportunity, but the Crisafulli Government governs for all of Queensland and we’re backing our regions with real support to grow jobs and strengthen local economies,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said. 

“From farm stays to food trails, we’re investing in the future of agritourism because we know strong regional economies mean a stronger Queensland. 

“Under the Crisafulli Government, Councils now have detailed guidance on how to best use their local planning tools to unlock regional tourism potential. 

“Agritourism is a growing sector that connects people to the land, supports local jobs, and strengthens regional identity. 

“Partnering with local councils and industry seems like common sense, something Labor failed to do in their decade of decline.  

“This new guidance supports councils to cut red tape and unlock new opportunities for agritourism in their regions.” 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said boosting visitor experiences would make Queensland the envy of the world. 

“Queensland is the home of the holiday, made all the more enticing by our vast range of experiences that encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more,” Minister Powell said. 

“Boosting agritourism not only gives locals more to see and do across our state, it helps farmers to diversify their product and boost productivity. 

“From dairy farms in Maleny to horse-drawn cart trails in Charters Towers and vineyards in the Scenic Rim, this is a great opportunity to draw visitors to our breathtaking regions.” 

The Crisafulli Government developed the guidance in consultation with Agritourism Queensland, the Queensland Farmers Federation, the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), and several councils.