government has made its commitment to the environment and Queensland’s tourism industry very clear.
We recognise that our natural environment is essential for the future of Queensland tourism. The Great
Barrier Reef, the Daintree and the Wet Tropics have all been protected for future generations because
of strong, positive policy. Our natural tourism assets draw millions of domestic and international tourists
and billions of dollars in tourism expenditure to our state every year.
Today the challenge is to ensure that people can continue to enjoy our environment without
harming it. It is a delicate but essential process. To ensure a viable and sustainable tourism industry that
will continue to compete with and surpass other states, the Bligh government has decided to develop
new tourism products and attractions that will showcase Queensland’s unique natural assets.
One way to achieve this is through new tourism product initiatives in or near protected areas. As
many tourism destinations lie within Queensland’s protected areas, the Bligh government believes that
there is scope for greater nature based private and public investment in eco-friendly tourism
infrastructure. As part of the Tourism in Protected Areas project, the state government will offer
investment opportunities for ecotourism in or near national parks. The opportunities will be geared
toward semi permanent and low-impact development, for example, safari style tent accommodation.
This is something that is available in other states but, in Queensland it has been approached cautiously
and in careful consultation with stakeholders.
International tourism markets such as Europe and Germany—and they are separate markets—
have keen ecotourism travellers who are generally willing to stay longer in Australia. We just have to
give them an excuse. They have a considerable interest in visiting remote places and staying in this type
of low-impact accommodation that is on or adjacent to protected areas. New nature based tourism
products will enhance Queensland’s attractiveness to both international and domestic visitors, and
therefore support local economies and jobs. The Bligh government is dedicated to ensuring that future
access to our national parks will not be made by a National Party bulldozer, but through positive
environmental policy.
