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.

CNN.com recognise Whitehaven Eco-friendly Beach
Posted by editor (editor) on Jul 22 2010
Ministerial Diary >>

What a great coup for the Whitsundays. Cnn.com has recognised Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays as one of eight eco-friendly beaches across the world. It's also great news for the Queensland tourism industry as it was the only Australia beach named. Whitehaven Beach's crystal clear water and pristine white sand is maintained thanks to the efforts of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Whitsunday Regional Council and tour operators, residents and visitors.

I'd like to thank CNN.com for promoting Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsundays - their website and the list of eight eco-friendly beaches will no doubt be viewed by hundreds of online visitors. The Whitsundays is already a tourist hotspot with the region welcoming 671,000 domestic and international visitors in the year ending March 2010. International visitors contributed $163 million to the Whitsundays economy in the same year period.

Last changed: Jul 22 2010 at 9:44 AM