Published Monday, 12 November, 2007 at 01:24 PM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Townsville climate change workshop to guide tourism industry business planning
North Queensland tourism operators will be encouraged to prepare their businesses for the challenges of climate change at a free workshop on Tuesday, Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said.
“Climate change is an increasingly important issue for the tourism industry,” Ms Boyle said.
“According to the forecasts, Queensland can expect warmer temperatures, sea-level rises, changes in rainfall patterns, and more intense storms and tropical cyclones,” she said.
Member for Townsville Mike Reynolds said: “This free workshop will give industry an update on climate change data specific to their region and business.
“It is a chance for industry to discuss ways to deal with climate change issues,” he said.
“Our natural environment is one of our state’s greatest assets and it is vital that we do what we can to protect these wonderful resources.
“The state's World Heritage areas, national parks and nationally internationally-renowned natural areas such as the wet tropics, the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island and Fraser Island, draw more than 16 million visitors a year.
“In fact, spending by park visitors is estimated to contribute more than $1.2 billion each year to the Queensland economy.”
The Queensland Government is already responding to the threat of climate change, establishing of the Queensland Climate Change Centre for Excellence, and developing a Queensland Climate Smart Adaptation Action Plan and ClimateSmart 2050.
Ms Boyle said: “The workshop takes it one step further by providing guidance and leadership specific to the Queensland's tourism industry”.
The workshop is part of a series being held across the State. It is presented by the Queensland Government and Tourism Queensland together with the Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence (QCCCE) and regional tourism organisations.
The workshop is on from 1.00pm-3.30pm at the State Development Boardroom, Enterprise House, 6 The Strand, Townsville.
Ends
Media contact:
Desley Boyle: 3224 2004
Mike Reynolds: 4772 4711
“Climate change is an increasingly important issue for the tourism industry,” Ms Boyle said.
“According to the forecasts, Queensland can expect warmer temperatures, sea-level rises, changes in rainfall patterns, and more intense storms and tropical cyclones,” she said.
Member for Townsville Mike Reynolds said: “This free workshop will give industry an update on climate change data specific to their region and business.
“It is a chance for industry to discuss ways to deal with climate change issues,” he said.
“Our natural environment is one of our state’s greatest assets and it is vital that we do what we can to protect these wonderful resources.
“The state's World Heritage areas, national parks and nationally internationally-renowned natural areas such as the wet tropics, the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island and Fraser Island, draw more than 16 million visitors a year.
“In fact, spending by park visitors is estimated to contribute more than $1.2 billion each year to the Queensland economy.”
The Queensland Government is already responding to the threat of climate change, establishing of the Queensland Climate Change Centre for Excellence, and developing a Queensland Climate Smart Adaptation Action Plan and ClimateSmart 2050.
Ms Boyle said: “The workshop takes it one step further by providing guidance and leadership specific to the Queensland's tourism industry”.
The workshop is part of a series being held across the State. It is presented by the Queensland Government and Tourism Queensland together with the Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence (QCCCE) and regional tourism organisations.
The workshop is on from 1.00pm-3.30pm at the State Development Boardroom, Enterprise House, 6 The Strand, Townsville.
Ends
Media contact:
Desley Boyle: 3224 2004
Mike Reynolds: 4772 4711