Migaloo to pass Fraser Coast as whale watching campaign begins
Posted by editor (editor) on Jul 03 2009
2009 >>

A new $318,000 marketing campaign focused on promoting whale watching on the Fraser Coast started this week across South East Queensland, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said.

Tourism Queensland’s Fraser Coast Whale Watching campaign runs until September and has been arranged in partnership with Fraser Coast South Burnett Tourism and Fraser Coast Council, along with 27 local operators.

“The campaign promotes the region as Australia’s best destination for an up close and personal whale watching experience,” Mr Lawlor said.

“It just happens to coincide with the recent sightings of the world’s most famous white whale Migaloo.

“Migaloo was spotted off the Gold Coast two days ago and depending on his speed he could already be travelling past the Fraser Coast or just about to.

“Whale watching season allows visitors to get up close and personal with the world’s biggest creatures in its natural habitat and provides locals and visitors with an unforgettable experience.”

“There’s something quite amazing about seeing a whale suddenly breach up out of the water or curiously and playfully swim alongside your boat.

“These gentle giants are powerful, peaceful creatures who often seem to have just as much curiosity about us as we do about them.”

Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change Kate Jones said although this is a very exciting time for whale watchers people need to remember that Migaloo and his friends need to continue their journey undisturbed.

“I’ve granted white whales ‘special interest’ status in Queensland waters to ensure they can swim freely and safely.

“Aircraft pilots, skippers, swimmers and snorkellers need to respect the special limits around these unusually coloured whales and the restrictions around all whales.

"The ‘special interest’ whale declaration means no-one can bring a boat or jet ski closer than 500 metres or fly an aircraft closer than 2000 feet to the whale without written permission.

“The standard distance for other whales is 100 metres for a boat and 300 metres for jet skis and other peronsal watercraft.

Mr Lawlor said the State Government and Tourism Queensland’s current focus was on hard-hitting tactical marketing campaigns which involved operators from across Queensland, including those who are part of the Fraser Coast Whale Watching campaign.
“The campaign will run in newspapers and on major billboards in Brisbane, as well as online using new Brandtube technology at News Digital, OurBrisbane.com, NineMSN Travel, Bigpond and Adconion sites and www.whalesherveybay.com.au,” he said.

“Advertisements will also be featured on Channels 7, 9 and 10 in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, and 97.3FM’s popular personality Sophie Formica will endorse the campaign via live reads and competitions.”

Tourism Queensland Director Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast, Lynne Banford said the Fraser Coast had an up close and personal experience to suit everyone.

“It’s great to see so many local operators participating in the campaign, providing a great range of whale watching experiences to cater for everyone’s tastes,” Ms Banford said.

Mr Lawlor said around one million domestic and international tourists visited the Fraser Coast region in the 12 months to March 2009, supporting about 7000 Queensland jobs.

“The Queensland Government is committed to increasing tourism on the Fraser Coast and will continue to work to ensure the future of Queensland’s tourism industry remains bright,” he said.

For more information on whale watching on the Fraser Coast visit www.whalesherveybay.com.au and for regular updates visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au/fraser-coast-holidays/whale-watching/bay-update.cfm

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 3:36 PM