Growing Tourism Infrastructure grows jobs and recovery

The Palaszczuk Government’s $25 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund is continuing to create new jobs and attractions for regional Queensland’s economic recovery.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said eight projects were either about to begin, underway or had recently been completed.

“Collectively, these projects have secured $10.5 million in Growing Tourism Infrastructure funding to support more than 200 construction jobs and 113 operational jobs, mostly in regional Queensland,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“With COVID’s long and lingering tail, the Palaszczuk Government is backing businesses with the confidence to create new visitor experiences.

“Tourism has been hit harder than most by the global pandemic, the ongoing closure of the international border and this weekend’s axing of JobKeeper by the Federal Government.   

“The Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund is helping to make Queensland the place to be for new world-class tourist experiences and rebuilding the industry better.”

Projects include:

• $2 million for the Outback Gondwana Foundation at Eromanga to build a gallery for the 30-metre skeleton of a Titanosaur to grow outback tourism. Completion expected by August.
• $1.086 million for 65 powered and non-powered campsites and eight, five-star luxury eco-tents at Splitters Farm, Bundaberg which is predicted to attract 66,000 visitors per year. Completion expected in late July.
• $1.3 million for five, self-contained eco-accommodation pods at the Overflow Estate Winery. Completion by late July.
• $2.25 million to build nine cottages and villas for Dusty Joes Winery, tavern, restaurant and cellar door experience. Completion by May.  
• $1.21 million for a 15,000m2 expansion of Lone Pine Wildlife Sanctuary with boardwalks, new exhibits and night tours. Completion expected June 2022
• $990,000 for The North Stores on Mount Tamborine to create a new food tourism attraction with workshop and market garden where visitors can enjoy a garden to plate experience. Completion expected in November.         

Mr Hinchliffe said the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund had supported a total of 22 projects across Queensland.

“The Palaszczuk Government rebooted the fund last year at the height of the pandemic to help tourism operators to renew for the future by creating new attractions and visitor experiences,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“More than 730 construction jobs, many of them in regional Queensland, have been supported by the government’s investment and up to 460 operational jobs.

“By bringing new tourism experiences to market we expect to attract almost 750,000 visitors to regional Queensland and boost the annual visitor economy by $193 million.

“The Palaszczuk Government has invested more than $790 million in COVID support for the tourism industry.

“And with initiatives like the $25 million the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund, we’re helping Queensland Tourism to support jobs for regional Queensland’s economic recovery and rebuild better for the future.”

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