20-year tourism plan to make Queensland No.1

“I think as the industry sees what’s in this plan and the ecotourism guidelines that we’re putting out, they’ll want to come and work with us and, to be blunt, as I’ve said from day one, Tasmania, New Zealand, we’re coming for you, we’re going to take the No.1 crown when it comes to ecotourism, and we’re going to own it.

“As we look toward Brisbane 2032, this plan ensures we seize the moment to showcase our vibrant cities, pristine beaches and islands, lush rainforests, rich Indigenous cultures, proud heritage, and our cherished way of life.”

The LNP’s bid to boost protected areas across the state followed its announcement on Sunday of the expansion of protected areas, with 9000 hectares added to Queensland’s national parks and nature refuges.

Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman said the real test would be how the commitment was reflected in the coming Queensland budget.

“The recent expansion including these announcements has been made possible by the $262.5 million commitment to protected areas expansion by [former minister] Meaghan Scanlon in 2022,” Copeman said.

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“These funds are almost all expended or committed, so the real test for the Crisafulli government is whether they will add to this funding in the next budget.”

In its submission for Destination 2045, QCC said the state’s tourism future must centre on “protecting and restoring Queensland’s unique biodiversity”, and focus on First Nations-led ecotourism.

“QCC firmly believes that traditional owners should be at the heart of ecotourism on their country, and more needs to be done to promote tourism ventures where they have a majority equity stake,” Copeman said.

The LNP said the plan aimed to double the value of visitor expenditure to Queensland’s economy to $84 billion in two decades.

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