Whitsunday Parks Tourism Forum forges strong links to protect vital resource
Published Tuesday, 23 October, 2007 at 07:38 AM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
A new tourism forum established to ensure that the Whitsunday island national parks remain a world class tourist attraction, will hold its inaugural meeting at Airlie Beach today.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said the new Whitsunday Parks Tourism Forum, brings together local tourism industry members and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,
“The Forum, will forge stronger links between Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the area’s tourism industry,” Mr McNamara said.
“More than half a million people visit the area each year, with the island national parks a key destination for many visitors.
“The Forum means that Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service will be working hand-in-hand with the tourism industry to manage visitor use and protect these very popular and valuable destinations.
“The Forum builds on the Queensland Government’s commitment to invest more than two million dollars to upgrade visitor facilities in the Whitsunday islands over the next two years.
“This includes more than $1 million on the camping ground and new day use areas at South Whitehaven Beach, a $350,000 upgrade of the Tongue Point lookout, and a $250,000 upgrade of the boardwalk at Nara Inlet to provide better appreciation of an Aboriginal rock art site.
“The government has also announced plans to create a new Great Walk involving with a series of short walks on the Whitsunday islands.
“The Government has also been consulting closely with key stakeholders including commercial tourism operators and recreational users to develop the Whitsunday and Mackay Islands Visitor Management Strategy which is now being finalised.
“The Whitsundays are a very special place and we are doing everything possible to protect the outstanding natural values of this area and to manage the effect people can have on it.
“By working together through the Whitsunday Parks Tourism Forum, we are balancing the needs of nature and visitors now and the future,” Mr McNamara said.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said the new Whitsunday Parks Tourism Forum, brings together local tourism industry members and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,
“The Forum, will forge stronger links between Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the area’s tourism industry,” Mr McNamara said.
“More than half a million people visit the area each year, with the island national parks a key destination for many visitors.
“The Forum means that Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service will be working hand-in-hand with the tourism industry to manage visitor use and protect these very popular and valuable destinations.
“The Forum builds on the Queensland Government’s commitment to invest more than two million dollars to upgrade visitor facilities in the Whitsunday islands over the next two years.
“This includes more than $1 million on the camping ground and new day use areas at South Whitehaven Beach, a $350,000 upgrade of the Tongue Point lookout, and a $250,000 upgrade of the boardwalk at Nara Inlet to provide better appreciation of an Aboriginal rock art site.
“The government has also announced plans to create a new Great Walk involving with a series of short walks on the Whitsunday islands.
“The Government has also been consulting closely with key stakeholders including commercial tourism operators and recreational users to develop the Whitsunday and Mackay Islands Visitor Management Strategy which is now being finalised.
“The Whitsundays are a very special place and we are doing everything possible to protect the outstanding natural values of this area and to manage the effect people can have on it.
“By working together through the Whitsunday Parks Tourism Forum, we are balancing the needs of nature and visitors now and the future,” Mr McNamara said.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004