Published Monday, 08 December, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Tourism plan identifies top 10 catalyst projects for Sunshine Coast
A hinterland sky rail, tree top walk and a new convention centre are on a list of possible ‘catalyst’ projects for the future of the Sunshine Coast.
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle today announced a “sneak peak” of 10 major proposed tourism investment projects.
The projects have been slated as part of the Sunshine Coast Regional Tourism Investment and Infrastructure Plan – which will be officially released early next year.
“The plan was developed by Tourism Queensland in consultation with local government and key Sunshine Coast tourism stakeholders,” said the Minister.
“It aimed to identify new tourism product and investment opportunities and the infrastructure needed to support them.
“Tourism is a major industry for the Sunshine Coast with domestic and international visitors spending more than $2 billion in the region in the year to June 30.
“For the destination to continue to prosper we need to identify new opportunities and this plan looks at what is already there, and lists some catalyst projects, or ‘wish list’ ideas, for new initiatives.
“Once the plan is released early in the new year, we will be seeking public and private investors to help turn the ideas into reality.”
Ms Boyle said Tourism Queensland and the State Government had worked with a range of local stakeholders to identify a range of major projects based around the themes of nature-based experiences, adventure, event facilities and tourism precincts.
The 10 “catalyst” projects identified in the Sunshine Coast Regional Tourism Investment and Infrastructure Plan include:
• A convention, exhibition and performing arts centre possibly at Maroochy CBD.
• A Hinterland Skywalk and/ or Skyrail / cable car attraction to show case the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
• The Stockland Park Regional Sports Complex including a new 12000 capacity outdoor multi-use stadium.
• An attractions and Adventure Park Precinct to connect existing attractions such as Aussie World and Australia Zoo expanding existing attractions and creating new attractions such as a new Water Theme Park.
• A Hinterland eco-lodge incorporating nature-based and indigenous experiences for visitors.
• Hinterland nature-based-tourism iconic drive route linking the Glass House Mountains and towns such as Maleny, Montville and Mary Valley with a similar profile as the Great Ocean Road route in Victoria.
• Coastal Green Trails including a new Great Walks in Conondale and the development of a shuttle bus system to link existing walks.
• Rainbow Beach Eco Resort to establish itself as a major eco-tourism and resort destination for Australia.
• Implementation of initiatives relating to the Noosa Biosphere Reserve including tourism opportunities
• Special tourism precinct master planning for Hastings Street, Maroochydore Town Centre, Caloundra Central District and Mooloolaba Spit.
Ms Boyle said the region already featured a wide variety of quality tourism products and experiences, but for the destination to continue to flourish it must explore new opportunities.
“This plan will provide a focal point to guide how public and private investment and infrastructure can be brought together to meet residents’ and visitors’ needs to ensure the region’s potential is realised, but its character and diversity is preserved,” she said.
The Minister said 186 investment opportunities had been identified in the plan and its implementation would create a whole range of investment and employment opportunities for the destination.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the Sunshine Coast and opens the door to a whole range of new possibilities.”
She said as part of the 10-year Queensland Tourism Strategy, Regional Tourism Infrastructure and Investment Plans were being developed for each of the state’s tourism region with plans for the Whitsundays, Mackay and Brisbane released earlier this year.
Tourism Sunshine Coast Chairman, Graeme Pearce said that the Sunshine Coast Regional Tourism Infrastructure and Investment Plan (RTIIP) would provide the necessary framework for a sustainable tourism industry on the Sunshine Coast.
“We are a proud partner in the production of the RTIIP and strongly support the 10 projects identified in the plan. The emphasis on attractions and nature-based tourism opportunities demonstrates that the plan will add significantly to the wide range of quality tourism experiences already available to our visitors.”
RTIIP was developed in conjunction with the Sunshine Coast Product Development Plan and the Sunshine Coast Sustainability Benchmarking Model which form the foundation of TSC’s Destination Management Framework in conjunction with the organisation’s international and marketing activities.
8 December 2008
Further information:
Minister’s office: 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Tourism Queensland – 3535 5010
Tourism Minister Desley Boyle today announced a “sneak peak” of 10 major proposed tourism investment projects.
The projects have been slated as part of the Sunshine Coast Regional Tourism Investment and Infrastructure Plan – which will be officially released early next year.
“The plan was developed by Tourism Queensland in consultation with local government and key Sunshine Coast tourism stakeholders,” said the Minister.
“It aimed to identify new tourism product and investment opportunities and the infrastructure needed to support them.
“Tourism is a major industry for the Sunshine Coast with domestic and international visitors spending more than $2 billion in the region in the year to June 30.
“For the destination to continue to prosper we need to identify new opportunities and this plan looks at what is already there, and lists some catalyst projects, or ‘wish list’ ideas, for new initiatives.
“Once the plan is released early in the new year, we will be seeking public and private investors to help turn the ideas into reality.”
Ms Boyle said Tourism Queensland and the State Government had worked with a range of local stakeholders to identify a range of major projects based around the themes of nature-based experiences, adventure, event facilities and tourism precincts.
The 10 “catalyst” projects identified in the Sunshine Coast Regional Tourism Investment and Infrastructure Plan include:
• A convention, exhibition and performing arts centre possibly at Maroochy CBD.
• A Hinterland Skywalk and/ or Skyrail / cable car attraction to show case the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
• The Stockland Park Regional Sports Complex including a new 12000 capacity outdoor multi-use stadium.
• An attractions and Adventure Park Precinct to connect existing attractions such as Aussie World and Australia Zoo expanding existing attractions and creating new attractions such as a new Water Theme Park.
• A Hinterland eco-lodge incorporating nature-based and indigenous experiences for visitors.
• Hinterland nature-based-tourism iconic drive route linking the Glass House Mountains and towns such as Maleny, Montville and Mary Valley with a similar profile as the Great Ocean Road route in Victoria.
• Coastal Green Trails including a new Great Walks in Conondale and the development of a shuttle bus system to link existing walks.
• Rainbow Beach Eco Resort to establish itself as a major eco-tourism and resort destination for Australia.
• Implementation of initiatives relating to the Noosa Biosphere Reserve including tourism opportunities
• Special tourism precinct master planning for Hastings Street, Maroochydore Town Centre, Caloundra Central District and Mooloolaba Spit.
Ms Boyle said the region already featured a wide variety of quality tourism products and experiences, but for the destination to continue to flourish it must explore new opportunities.
“This plan will provide a focal point to guide how public and private investment and infrastructure can be brought together to meet residents’ and visitors’ needs to ensure the region’s potential is realised, but its character and diversity is preserved,” she said.
The Minister said 186 investment opportunities had been identified in the plan and its implementation would create a whole range of investment and employment opportunities for the destination.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the Sunshine Coast and opens the door to a whole range of new possibilities.”
She said as part of the 10-year Queensland Tourism Strategy, Regional Tourism Infrastructure and Investment Plans were being developed for each of the state’s tourism region with plans for the Whitsundays, Mackay and Brisbane released earlier this year.
Tourism Sunshine Coast Chairman, Graeme Pearce said that the Sunshine Coast Regional Tourism Infrastructure and Investment Plan (RTIIP) would provide the necessary framework for a sustainable tourism industry on the Sunshine Coast.
“We are a proud partner in the production of the RTIIP and strongly support the 10 projects identified in the plan. The emphasis on attractions and nature-based tourism opportunities demonstrates that the plan will add significantly to the wide range of quality tourism experiences already available to our visitors.”
RTIIP was developed in conjunction with the Sunshine Coast Product Development Plan and the Sunshine Coast Sustainability Benchmarking Model which form the foundation of TSC’s Destination Management Framework in conjunction with the organisation’s international and marketing activities.
8 December 2008
Further information:
Minister’s office: 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
Tourism Queensland – 3535 5010