Queensland’s Outback receives more bang for its buck
Posted by editor (editor) on Jul 14 2009
2009 >>

The Outback Queensland Tourism Authority (OQTA) will benefit to the tune of an estimated $120,000 per year following the signing of a new agreement with Tourism Queensland, Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said today.

Mr Lawlor said the three-year Service Level Agreement took the form of a partnership between Tourism Queensland and the OQTA, which would see increased collaboration between the two bodies on marketing and industry development and a streamlining of resources.

“This move was also triggered by the recommendations of the Queensland Government’s Tourism Network Review last year which found, in part, that the Outback tourism industry wanted increased representation at a local level to service its needs,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The arrangement between Tourism Queensland and the OQTA ensures that the regional tourism organisation has more staff based at a local level and allows for increased resources to be directed to marketing and developing tourism in Queensland’s Outback.

“Relocating the OQTA’ s main office from Brisbane to Longreach and appointing Tourism Queensland’s Outback Director, Matt Bron, to oversee the implementation of the agreement should streamline and enhance the OQTA’s operations.

“It’s a win-win situation. This agreement gives the OQTA an estimated $120,000 per year in savings, ensuring it is better resourced on the ground and is better placed to ramp up its activities.

“The arrangement ensures that the OQTA has the resources to appoint new staff in the South West, Central West and North West regions who will be a point of contact in regard to its tourism marketing and development activities.

“With closer ties to the local tourism industry, the OQTA will be more responsive in its role of attracting higher tourist numbers to Queensland’s Outback, which aims to increase prosperity among tourism operators and local communities.”

The arrangement between Tourism Queensland and the OQTA began on July 1 with all staff expected to be in place by early August.

"I'm really looking forward to being part of this new direction and doing my part to help the long term sustainability of tourism in the Outback," Mr Bron said.

The initiative follows the launch of recent campaigns by Tourism Queensland and the OQTA to increase visitation to Queensland’s Outback.

A current $137,000 tourism marketing campaign, Outback on Sale, is encouraging south-east Queenslanders to embark upon adventure-based activities such as bushwalking, camping, horse-riding and four-wheel driving in the region.

In addition, the new Queensland Outback Education Handbook entices Year 6 and 7 students with a Queensland Outback option for school camping expeditions while providing teachers with educational lesson plans about the Outback.

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 3:42 PM