$1million tourism action plan for Cape York and the Torres Strait
Published Friday, 07 November, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
The Cape York and Torres Strait’s enormous potential as a unique tourist destination will be unlocked following the release today of the Cape York Peninsula and Torres Strait Tourism Action Plan.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the $1 million action plan had been developed by Tourism Queensland in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, working closely with local communities and industry.
“The plan has been a long time in the works but it was essential to get all the key stakeholders consulted and involved,” Ms Boyle said.
“This means the action plan I ma releasing today provides a coordinated direction and lists actions to guide the future growth of tourism in these areas.
“The aim is to draw these relatively undiscovered Tropical North Queensland areas to the attention of nature and experiential tourists who are among some of the fastest-growing tourism markets.
“With vast national parks incorporating forests, savannah lands and wild rivers, escarpments adorned with ancient rock art and uninhabited islands, the areas offer visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“An important element of the action plan is sustainability, to ensure these experiences will be there for future generations.”
Ms Boyle said developing tourism in the Cape and Torres Strait would provide a new hook for the Queensland tourism industry while offering local communities economic, social and environmental benefits.
“The idea is to support locally-owned and managed tourism businesses and investigate partnerships with existing tourism operators, while preserving and protecting local culture,” she said.
“One of the actions of the plan has been to develop and implement camping and national park tourism infrastructure on the Cape.
“I am pleased to announce that the Queensland Government will spend $200,000 developing a new camping ground at historic Somerset, on the eastern tip of Cape York.
“Somerset is a culturally sensitive location that was once a government military and commercial trading post. It has archaeological sites, significant Aboriginal story places and historic European settlement remains.
“Significant progress has already been made including the completion of a site survey and plan.”
Other campsites planned for futures action are Pajinka ("Tip of Australia"), Chili Beach Precinct (Located north of Lockhart River on the East Coast of Cape York), Overland Telegraph Track (Adventurous, 4wd track located south of the Jardine River), Somerset (South of Pajinka, on East coast of NPA region of Cape York), Heathlands and Jardine River visitor hub (Northern part of Cape York).
Action has already been taken by the Department of Regional Development in establishing tourism infrastructure in Cape York including:
• $170,000 toward Lockhart River Aerodrome Motel
• $160,000 for Umagico beach front Camping Grounds Infrastructure and $310,000 for Budget Lodge and Accommodation facilities.
• $37,355 for Camping Grounds Development at Chuula Camping Grounds
• $28,434 for Camping Grounds Development at Massey Creek on Silver Plains Station.
• $165,000 for tourist accommodation on Yorke Island
• $45,000 for Coen Visitor Centre
• $150,000 for Cape York Peninsula Area Signage Project
• $95,000 for Camping Ground Development for the Mapoon Turtle Camp Eco Tourism business
• $25,000 for visitor infrastructure and $38,950 for mobile food van - Bloomfield Falls walking track and guided tours
• $72,228 for Quinkan Centre capacity building for centre management, business enterprise and guided tours development
Ms Boyle said that some of the longer-term priorities included developing branding within the Tropical North Queensland brand, training for regional tourism operators and product development.
“Above all the plan provides the tourism industry and local residents with a new economic pathway - it is about securing tomorrow's Queensland through smart, strong and green partnerships.”
To view the plan visit www.tq.com.au/capeyorkandtorresstraitactionplan
ENDS
Media contact:
Marcus Taylor – 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
7 November 2008
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said the $1 million action plan had been developed by Tourism Queensland in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, working closely with local communities and industry.
“The plan has been a long time in the works but it was essential to get all the key stakeholders consulted and involved,” Ms Boyle said.
“This means the action plan I ma releasing today provides a coordinated direction and lists actions to guide the future growth of tourism in these areas.
“The aim is to draw these relatively undiscovered Tropical North Queensland areas to the attention of nature and experiential tourists who are among some of the fastest-growing tourism markets.
“With vast national parks incorporating forests, savannah lands and wild rivers, escarpments adorned with ancient rock art and uninhabited islands, the areas offer visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“An important element of the action plan is sustainability, to ensure these experiences will be there for future generations.”
Ms Boyle said developing tourism in the Cape and Torres Strait would provide a new hook for the Queensland tourism industry while offering local communities economic, social and environmental benefits.
“The idea is to support locally-owned and managed tourism businesses and investigate partnerships with existing tourism operators, while preserving and protecting local culture,” she said.
“One of the actions of the plan has been to develop and implement camping and national park tourism infrastructure on the Cape.
“I am pleased to announce that the Queensland Government will spend $200,000 developing a new camping ground at historic Somerset, on the eastern tip of Cape York.
“Somerset is a culturally sensitive location that was once a government military and commercial trading post. It has archaeological sites, significant Aboriginal story places and historic European settlement remains.
“Significant progress has already been made including the completion of a site survey and plan.”
Other campsites planned for futures action are Pajinka ("Tip of Australia"), Chili Beach Precinct (Located north of Lockhart River on the East Coast of Cape York), Overland Telegraph Track (Adventurous, 4wd track located south of the Jardine River), Somerset (South of Pajinka, on East coast of NPA region of Cape York), Heathlands and Jardine River visitor hub (Northern part of Cape York).
Action has already been taken by the Department of Regional Development in establishing tourism infrastructure in Cape York including:
• $170,000 toward Lockhart River Aerodrome Motel
• $160,000 for Umagico beach front Camping Grounds Infrastructure and $310,000 for Budget Lodge and Accommodation facilities.
• $37,355 for Camping Grounds Development at Chuula Camping Grounds
• $28,434 for Camping Grounds Development at Massey Creek on Silver Plains Station.
• $165,000 for tourist accommodation on Yorke Island
• $45,000 for Coen Visitor Centre
• $150,000 for Cape York Peninsula Area Signage Project
• $95,000 for Camping Ground Development for the Mapoon Turtle Camp Eco Tourism business
• $25,000 for visitor infrastructure and $38,950 for mobile food van - Bloomfield Falls walking track and guided tours
• $72,228 for Quinkan Centre capacity building for centre management, business enterprise and guided tours development
Ms Boyle said that some of the longer-term priorities included developing branding within the Tropical North Queensland brand, training for regional tourism operators and product development.
“Above all the plan provides the tourism industry and local residents with a new economic pathway - it is about securing tomorrow's Queensland through smart, strong and green partnerships.”
To view the plan visit www.tq.com.au/capeyorkandtorresstraitactionplan
ENDS
Media contact:
Marcus Taylor – 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
7 November 2008