$3 million for island ecotourism

• Palaszczuk Government is investing $3 million in new and upgraded visitor access infrastructure on Hook, Long and Keswick islands. 
• The three Whitsunday islands to receive $1 million each. 
• Island infrastructure to enable all-abilities ecotourism experiences for domestic and international visitors.

The Palaszczuk Government is backing three Whitsunday islands to deliver infrastructure that improves visitor access to natural areas.

Hook, Long and Keswick islands will receive $1 million each to build or upgrade jetties and pontoons, making it easier for domestic and international visitors to enjoy ecotourism experiences.

The industry led Towards Tourism 2032 roadmap identified our unique natural assets and the State’s great lifestyle as opportunities to grow Queensland as a global ecotourism destination of choice.

Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Infrastructure Program targets islands - such as Long, Hook and Keswick - with a national park and existing or planned ecotourism development.

The program recognises the importance of visitor access as a catalyst for private investment in new nature-based tourism experiences.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said:

“Domestic and international visitors to the Mackay and the Whitsundays region are spoilt for choice for when it comes to exploring unique, world-class natural attractions.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s investment in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Infrastructure Program opens up more options for visitors of all-abilities to share our region’s amazing lifestyle.

“More visitors mean more jobs and spreading the benefits for visitor economies across Mackay and the Whitsundays.”                 

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said:

“This infrastructure boost will ensure greater accessibility, so that visitors of all abilities can enjoy the Whitsundays awe-inspiring natural assets.

“Overseas research suggests that the world ecotourism market is growing by almost 13 per cent a year and is on track to hit $656 billion US dollars annually by 2032.

“Meeting our Towards Tourism 2032 goals is about expanding our opportunities to capitalise on that global trend.

“These new and upgraded jetties and pontoons are just part of that bigger picture, making sure these Whitsunday islands are easier for visitors to access and enjoy.”

Hook Island Eco Lodge CEO, Glenn Piper said:

“Whitsundays is one of Australia's most significant and alluring tourist destinations.

“Following Cyclone's Ita and Debbie much of the region is no longer easily accessible as it once was and Government support such as this is vital for re-establishing access to many of the region's most iconic tourism assets for both locals and tourists.

“We are very pleased to receive government support to assist in the restoration of Hook Island.

“The grant is invaluable for the restoration process and will also provide public access now and into the future.”

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