Frecklington complicit in Newman-Nicholls tourism cuts

When Tim Nicholls slashed $188 million from Queensland’s tourism budget Deb Frecklington couldn’t have been more supportive, said Acting Tourism Industry Development Minister Shannon Fentiman.

Ms Fentiman says the reminder comes as the Palaszczuk Government continues to ramp up spending in the industry which has flourished under Labor after wilting under the LNP.

“Deb Frecklington was Campbell Newman’s Assistant Treasurer and was complicit in the LNP’s decision to slash $188 million out of the tourism industry,” she said.

“Under Labor, visitor numbers to the Sunshine Coast have grown significantly.  By working with the tourism industry and the region, visitors to the region increased from 2.9 million in 2014 to 3.7 million last year.

“Under the Palaszczuk Government, tourism has become a cornerstone of Queensland’s economy – now worth $25 billion, it supports 225,000 jobs in our great state.

“The direct flights we secured brought 740,000 additional seats to Queensland, worth $570 million to our economy.

“On top of that, our constant investment in major events has paid dividends for Queensland with this sector expected to be worth $780 million to our economy this year.”

Ms Fentiman said Queensland’s tourism industry had plenty to look forward to over the next three years.

“We’re spending an extra $134 million in this sector in this term to make sure the tourism industry goes from strength to strength under the Palaszczuk Government over the next three years,” she said.

“We’re spending $48 million on bringing more cruise ships and direct international flights to our key destinations.

“On top of that, we’re spending $36 million to developing new attractions and $50 million to rejuvenate and restore the Great Barrier Reef and Great Keppel Island.”

Ms Fentiman said the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to tourism was in stark contrast to the LNP’s lack of plans for the industry.

“During the election campaign the opposition showed a complete lack of insight into the tourism industry – they had no plan when they were in power and they’re just as clueless now,” she said.

Media contact: Jack Harbour 0419 620 447