After my successful re-election campaign, I will return for a fourth term as the Member for Southport. Along with this important role I have been appointed as the new Minister of Tourism and Fair Trading. This position also includes the Racing and Liquor Licensing portfolios.

During my time as Minister I will be visiting tourism icons all over Queensland and this page will keep track of my work. I encourage everyone to follow my travels as the Minister by reading below my entries into the Minister's Diary where I will write about my latest experiences.

Peter Lawlor.

Australian First State-wide Sustainable Tourism Project
Posted by editor (editor) on Jul 02 2009
Ministerial Diary >>

When people think of holidaying in Queensland we want them to feel assured it will be a 'guilt-free' experience as far as climate change, carbon footprints or environmental impacts are concerned. In an Australian first, Tourism Queensland has developed a landmark sustainability project, the first state-wide sustainable tourism project implemented in Australia. This project aims to adopt practices that would reduce environmental impact of tourism and encourage visitors to view Queensland as a sustainable tourism destination.

Today's launch marks the start of a new era, with Tourism Queensland piloting sustainable tourism practices in five regions including Stradbroke Island, Winton, Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island and Pioneer Valley/Cape Hillsborough with the aim that it will be rolled out right across the state. Tourism Queensland will work with regional tourism operators from the bottom up, identifying and implementing actions within regions to make ongoing sustainable tourism a reality. Queensland has some of the most amazing natural environments and experiences on the planet so it is in all of our best interests to protect and sustain the natural beauty of our state.

Last changed: Jul 22 2009 at 10:42 AM