Published Friday, 05 December, 2008 at 05:00 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Queensland’s Gulf Savannah region to attract ‘tree-changers’ & investment
Resource rich, environmentally diverse and steeped in cultural heritage, far north Queensland’s Gulf Savannah region has a host of investment and employment opportunities.
Minister for Regional Development Desley Boyle said the Gulf Savannah Development Organisation is launching a detailed profile of the area which aims to attract people and businesses.
“The Gulf Savannah region sits at the heart of the state’s tropical north, equidistant from Cairns, Townsville and Mount Isa, stretching from the Great Dividing Range to the Northern Territory border,” Ms Boyle said.
“There is a strong sense of community in this area with core industries historically built upon primary production and mining.
“Extensive land suitable for agricultural development, and major oil and gas reserves provide the chance for the expansion within these traditional sectors, and their supporting infrastructure.
“Linked by international air and sea ports, the region also has good road linkages, which ease any disadvantages associated with perceived remoteness.
“However, diversification of local industries will be the key to economic strengthening of the region.”
Ms Boyle said tourism is a boon to the local economies of Normanton, Croydon and Georgetown thanks to the opening of the Savannah Way - Australia’s only east-west transcontinental road.
“The Savannah Way links Cairns and Broome and is proving to be quite a drawcard for tourists since its establishment in 2000,” Ms Boyle said.
“This is likely to receive more tourists following from the expected success of ‘Australia’ the movie.
“Visitors are also attracted to the region’s varied natural environments, world-class fishing, historic country towns, goldfields and scenic rail routes.
“So businesses offering products and services to a consistent but transient market may encourage longer stays in the area, thereby having flow-on effects for local economies.”
Niche areas in global markets requiring tropical expertise will also broaden the Gulf Savannah’s economic base, as well as tapping into Asian markets.
“Queensland has forged close business and cultural ties with Asia in recent years, and there are opportunities for investments which capitalise on proximity to this market,” Ms Boyle said.
Harnessing the ‘tree-change’ population shift from southern cities is another aim of the Gulf Savannah Development Organisation.
Gulf Savannah Development Organisation chairwoman Brenda Schneekloth said there are many things to commend living in the Gulf Savannah.
“I’ve lived here all my life and this is a great place to bring up a family,” Ms Schneekloth said.
“I love the hassle-free lifestyle and would never choose to move.
“Opportunities in a small town are endless, and being in a small community can bring unlimited rewards if you put a bit into it.”
The Gulf Savannah Development Organisation is supported by the State Government under the Queensland Regional Development Initiative.
Minister Regional Development Desley Boyle will launch the Gulf Savannah Development Information Document at the Cairns Chamber of Commerce during a Gulf Savannah Development luncheon at 12 noon, Friday, 5 December.
Ends
Media contact: 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
5 December 2008
Minister for Regional Development Desley Boyle said the Gulf Savannah Development Organisation is launching a detailed profile of the area which aims to attract people and businesses.
“The Gulf Savannah region sits at the heart of the state’s tropical north, equidistant from Cairns, Townsville and Mount Isa, stretching from the Great Dividing Range to the Northern Territory border,” Ms Boyle said.
“There is a strong sense of community in this area with core industries historically built upon primary production and mining.
“Extensive land suitable for agricultural development, and major oil and gas reserves provide the chance for the expansion within these traditional sectors, and their supporting infrastructure.
“Linked by international air and sea ports, the region also has good road linkages, which ease any disadvantages associated with perceived remoteness.
“However, diversification of local industries will be the key to economic strengthening of the region.”
Ms Boyle said tourism is a boon to the local economies of Normanton, Croydon and Georgetown thanks to the opening of the Savannah Way - Australia’s only east-west transcontinental road.
“The Savannah Way links Cairns and Broome and is proving to be quite a drawcard for tourists since its establishment in 2000,” Ms Boyle said.
“This is likely to receive more tourists following from the expected success of ‘Australia’ the movie.
“Visitors are also attracted to the region’s varied natural environments, world-class fishing, historic country towns, goldfields and scenic rail routes.
“So businesses offering products and services to a consistent but transient market may encourage longer stays in the area, thereby having flow-on effects for local economies.”
Niche areas in global markets requiring tropical expertise will also broaden the Gulf Savannah’s economic base, as well as tapping into Asian markets.
“Queensland has forged close business and cultural ties with Asia in recent years, and there are opportunities for investments which capitalise on proximity to this market,” Ms Boyle said.
Harnessing the ‘tree-change’ population shift from southern cities is another aim of the Gulf Savannah Development Organisation.
Gulf Savannah Development Organisation chairwoman Brenda Schneekloth said there are many things to commend living in the Gulf Savannah.
“I’ve lived here all my life and this is a great place to bring up a family,” Ms Schneekloth said.
“I love the hassle-free lifestyle and would never choose to move.
“Opportunities in a small town are endless, and being in a small community can bring unlimited rewards if you put a bit into it.”
The Gulf Savannah Development Organisation is supported by the State Government under the Queensland Regional Development Initiative.
Minister Regional Development Desley Boyle will launch the Gulf Savannah Development Information Document at the Cairns Chamber of Commerce during a Gulf Savannah Development luncheon at 12 noon, Friday, 5 December.
Ends
Media contact: 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
5 December 2008