Tourism jobs protected in Bligh Government budget
Posted by editor (editor) on Jun 16 2009
2009 >>

Protecting more than 200,000 jobs in Queensland’s tourism industry is the focus of a $12.6 million tourism budget increase in this year’s State Budget.

Treasurer Andrew Fraser today handed down the 2009-10 State Budget, which prioritised the state’s building program and ensured job-generating industries were well supported.

“We’ve taken tough decisions in this budget to ensure Queensland’s long-term economic sustainability, but there are also important short-term measures to support and create jobs.

“The tourism sector, like State Government revenues, has been hit very hard by the global financial crisis. We need to ensure the industry is supported so it can attract new tourists and deliver jobs for Queenslanders.”

Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said the Government would restore confidence in the industry through a new, three-year Bligh Government funding commitment of $37.8 million.

“Tourism is one of Queensland’s biggest employers and we need to do everything possible during these tough times to secure both domestic and international visitation,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The Bligh Government has always been committed to standing by the Queensland tourism industry and the current situation is no exception.

“When bad weather, a high Australian dollar and flight cuts hit the industry last year we injected $4 million in immediate assistance into the industry.

“This budget will focus on domestic marketing activities to encourage people to holiday closer to home, and particularly in regional Queensland.

“The Bligh Government will also allocate additional funding to major event tourism marketing.

“This funding will leverage off government-built facilities worth more than $1 billion such as convention centres and sporting stadiums.

“The Bligh Government has a long proud history of attracting and hosting major events including the upcoming Townsville V8 Supercar race,” Mr Lawlor said.

Although the international tourism marketing has softened during the past 12 months work will continue into securing airlines and visitation.

“Significant opportunities still exist with New Zealand and China so during the next year we will launch new international campaigns to ensure we are well prepared when the industry turns around,” Mr Lawlor said.

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 3:08 PM