Queensland's best environmental assets will be put on show to the world, under a new eco-tourism plan to boost visitor numbers in our State's protected areas.

Premier Anna Bligh today announced that the Queensland Government will be seeking expressions of interest from private investors, to establish eco-tourism holiday accommodation at seven destinations throughout the state.

The seven areas identified under the plan are:

Eurong on Fraser Island;

Wallaman Falls at Girringun, west of Cardwell;

Ninny Rise at Mission Beach;

Jonah Bay at Whitsunday;

Mount Mee, D'Aguilar National Park;

Green Mountain, Lamington National Park; and

Cowan South on Moreton Island.

"Nothing like this has ever been done in Queensland's national parks before and it comes after talks with tourism and environmental groups," Ms Bligh said.

"No one wants to see five star resorts in our National Parks.

"This is about tapping into the growing eco-tourism market by showcasing some of our best environmental assets on show, while ensuring they're properly protected.

"For years other states have successfully rolled out low impact accommodation in or adjacent to their most popular parks.

"For instance, on the edge of the world-heritage listed Cradle Mountain in Tasmania there is an eco-friendly tourist lodge; Victoria's Wilsons Promontory National Park features non-intrusive safari tents; and visitors can stay in small huts at Western Australia's Karijini National Park.

"Under our plan, eco-accommodation such as semi-permanent safari tents will be established with tight environmental controls - to ensure minimal environmental impact.

"Introducing more people into our National Parks will not only be a major boost for tourism, it will help to build awareness about conservation, and encourage more people to appreciate and respect our incredible natural environment.

"Eco-tourism is becoming more and more popular around the world, and it's a market Queensland simply can not afford to miss out on."

Climate Change Minister Kate Jones said the new infrastructure would be operated and built by private companies but it would remain under state ownership.

"The State would lease the facilities to private operators and invest the yearly income back into the same national park for continual improvement and conservation," Ms Jones said.

"Queensland is the most naturally diverse and beautiful state in Australia.

"I want to raise the profile of Queensland's significant environmental values.

"Put simply, we're selling our natural destinations too short by not providing visitor choice to stay and experience them."

Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said nature-based tourism was a major sector of Queensland's tourism industry.

"It's increasingly recognised as providing a competitive edge for the State in the international and domestic marketplace," Mr Lawlor said.

"There's plenty of people who overlook all that we have to offer because the accommodation is not as sophisticated as what they're expecting.

"Our protected areas are fundamental to the success of the tourism industry, attracting more than 16 million visits each year.

"They also make a significant economic contribution - recent research estimates spending by tourists who visited Queensland's national parks as part of their trip amounts to $4.43 billion annually, or approximately 28 per cent of total tourist spending in Queensland.

"Even though this is a significant slice of economic activity, the State Government believes there's room for growth and this new form of accommodation in Queensland parks could hold the key.

"Thousands of campers 'rough it' in our parks every month and will continue to do so but these facilities are expected to bring people who would not have otherwise contemplated visiting and enjoying what we have to offer."

Ms Jones has directed the Department of Environment and Resource Management to take a cautious approach to investigating these options maintaining tight controls on the development of infrastructure and operational activities.

DERM and Tourism Queensland will continue to consult with stakeholders to decide on the best shape and fit for the projects.

Last Updated ( Sunday, 29 November 2009 )

(I-Newswire) December 16, 2009 - A LITTLE-known Townsville attraction has been unearthed to the nation by taking out an Australia-wide award.
The OM4Tourism Hidden Jewel Awards are for small Australian tourism businesses that offer a fascinating or unusual visitor experience, but remain relatively undiscovered.
Pop Sullivan’s Ross River Dam Boat Cruises have operated exclusively on the picturesque Queensland waterway for the past five years, leaving a lasting impression on those lucky enough to experience a part of Townsville largely unseen.
“Until people actually get on the boat they very often have no idea that what lays out there on Ross Dam is truly worth seeing, but once they have done the cruise they bring their families and friends back time and time again,” Mr Sullivan said, who - as the charismatic tour guide - has been known to sing a few songs as the MV Kathleen Mary cruises the 33,000 hectares of water every Sunday.
“I’ve had people who were born in Townsville and have lived here all their lives saying they had no idea how beautiful it is up here. The area is listed as an Australian wetland of significance and there are 221 known species of birds, so it’s definitely been a well-hidden jewel and was only unlocked to the public five years ago.”
As well as the bird life, Mr Sullivan lists other tour highlights as the absence of tall buildings and the rare opportunity to experience the Australian bush in its natural state, from roaming wildlife to watching the hills change colour as the day ambles on. Then there are the intriguing tales of the past.
“I try to bring the history to life in people’s minds,” Mr Sullivan said. “We talk about the old homestead, the dairy shed, the cattle dip, the two old pubs that were built on the side of the river in the gold rush and all the stories associated with them. Young and old are often overwhelmed with the tales out here.”
But for Mr Sullivan the biggest stumbling block in the past has been getting the word out about his tours. He has won numerous North Queensland Tourism Awards for the Australian adventures he conducted with bus-loads of seniors before his boating days, but he admits the Townsville market is a tough nut to crack.
“Townsville is not a tourist town and we don’t have the attractions here yet to make it into a tourist town,” Mr Sullivan said. “Hopefully this national award should bring a bit of extra exposure and, once people know there are things to do in Townsville, they will stick around for a bit longer.”
As well as targeting tourists, those visiting friends and family and locals seeking a unique experience, from next year Pop Sullivan’s Ross River Dam Boat Cruises will focus on exposing school children to the wonders of nature and will be available for private charters, corporate events and special occasions like weddings.
Mr Sullivan’s prize from OM4Tourism is intended to help take his business to the next level by providing a customised website with online bookings functionality.
He has also been working with the North Queensland Small Business Development Centre (NQSBDC) to get assistance with marketing.
“We hope to continue our work with Pop Sullivan to help him lift the profile of this wonderful tourist attraction in our region,” chief executive officer Brian Arnold said.
Adult tickets are $28 each and children up to five years old are free.


About Calculated Media:
Calculated Media is dedicated to helping small-to-medium-sized businesses in North Queensland, Australia, to receive more publicity.

Company Contact Information
Calculated Media
Carly Crummey
QLD
4812