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.

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon
Posted by editor (editor) on Jul 22 2009
Ministerial Diary >>

I can't believe how popular the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is getting. I competed in the 10 kilometre leg again this year and with nearly 24,000 participants it took me about 15 minutes even before I passed the start line! Despite tough economic times and the negative fallout from the Swine Flu outbreak the event attracted 11 percent more people than last year proving the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is a stand-out event across the globe. Participants from 39 countries competed including our very own 'Best Job in the World' Island Caretaker Ben Southall from the UK who finished the 21 kilometre course. The Bligh Government recognises the significance of events like the Gold Coast Airport Marathon and their benefit to the Gold Coast and its tourism industry.

It's not just the runners themselves who travel to the Gold Coast for this event, but also friends, family and supporters who travel with them. Congratulations to Tourism Queensland, Tourism Australia, Gold Coast Tourism, Gold Coast Airport, Queensland Events Gold Coast and Asics for their co-operative international marketing campaigns, which brought so many runners to the Gold Coast from across the globe.

Last changed: Jul 22 2009 at 10:56 AM