$9.2 million to kickstart ecotourism projects

• Six Queensland ecotourism projects will share in $9.2 million.
• 573 construction and operational jobs supported.
• Combined, the six ecotourism initiatives are estimated to bring almost 200,000 visitors to Queensland.   

Palaszczuk Government-backed ecotourism projects are predicted to generate nearly $64 million each year for Queensland’s visitor economy.

The Activate Ecotourism Infrastructure initiative is investing $9.2 million in six projects designed to encourage an extra 196,000 visitors to enjoy more of Queensland's great lifestyle and support good Queensland jobs.

It’s anticipated the six ecotourism projects will together support 338 construction and 235 operational jobs.

The Government’s $9.2 million in co-funding support will leverage $76 million in private ecotourism investment.

Incentivising investment in ecotourism is a key element of Queensland’s Toward Tourism 2032 roadmap to increase the size of the State’s visitor economy to $44 billion.

Activate Ecotourism is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $74 million election commitment to accelerate the Queensland tourism industry’s pandemic recovery.

The six co-funded ecotourism initiatives are:

• The refurbishment of the Turtle Sands Nature Retreat at Mon Repos
• A luxury walkers’ camp on freehold land at Binna Burra, adjacent to Lamington National Park
• An outdoor tourism hub in the Pioneer Valley near Mackay
• Construction of Jarramali Indigenous Rock Art stays on Cape York
• An upgrade of the Carnarvon Gorge Holiday Park including new ecotourism accommodation and restaurant with a renewable power system
• Nature-based luxury glamping pods and eco-lodgings with conference, events and beach club facilities on South Stradbroke Island 

Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith:

“The loggerhead turtle nesting grounds at Mon Repos are one of the world’s unique, premier ecotourism experiences, and they’re in our own backyard.  

“Turtle Sands’ transformation will create a responsible, genuine ecotourism experience that supports turtle conservation while generating 34 ongoing jobs and $13 million for the Bundaberg region’s visitor economy.” 

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert:

“The natural environment of the Pioneer Valley near Mackay has amazing potential as an international mountain bike destination.

“Delivering more than 40 construction and ongoing jobs, the Pioneer Valley Outdoor Tourism Hub is about boosting access to the region’s outstanding fishing and hiking experiences.

“Able to accommodate up to 26 visitors, the Hub will also support future mountain biking tours and generate up to $3 million for the Mackay region’s visitor economy.” 

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe:

“Our Activate Ecotourism Infrastructure initiative is an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s election commitment to accelerate Queensland tourism’s Covid recovery.

“Demand for ecotourism and nature-based visitor experiences is taking off globally and our great Queensland lifestyle gives us the head start to become an international leader.

“The ecotourism projects we’re backing are near protected areas to make it even easier for visitors to enjoy Queensland’s unrivalled natural assets.

“More than any other Government in the State’s history, the Palaszczuk Government is backing operators to deliver ecotourism projects that make Queensland a global destination of choice.  

“Diverse visitor experiences are critical to rebuilding Queensland’s international tourism industry.”

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“Activate Ecotourism builds on the Palaszczuk Government’s new Ecotourism Plan for Queensland’s protected areas.

“The Plan’s focus is the ongoing preservation of Queensland’s national parks and world heritage areas.

It also includes supporting new ecotourism projects adjacent to protected areas by re-using developed and already-degraded land.”

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