$11.3 million funding boost announced for Far North Queensland tourism

The Queensland Government has announced an $11.3 million package to boost Far North Queensland tourism as part of the government’s economic strategy to assist businesses in their recovery from COVID-19.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the multi-million-dollar package announced today included:

•$6.5 million for 4 shovel-ready projects creating 127 construction jobs and more than 50 ongoing jobs

•$3 million to help attract major events to the regions

•$1.8 million to assist Reef Fleet operators

Premier Palaszczuk notes “Tourism will be vital to rebuilding our economy in the months and years ahead.

“This is an industry that supported one in 10 Queensland jobs before the Coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re investing more in tourism than any government in Queensland’s history because we understand how crucial it is to safeguard these jobs for the future.”

The package includes $3 million to secure major events for Far North Queensland and is in addition to $3.8 million announced by the State Government in February to assist Far Northern tourism businesses through the initial stages of the Covid-19 crisis.

“Major events drive domestic tourism, pumping cash into local businesses and supporting local jobs - this funding will help us secure events that will stimulate the Cairns and Far North economy,” the Premier said.

Premier Palaszczuk added “thousands of businesses particularly in our regions have relied heavily on international tourists.

“Today’s funding will deliver events that help to keep businesses afloat along with grants to support businesses to focus more heavily on domestic markets.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones explained that four Tropical North Queensland tourism projects will receive more than a quarter of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery $25 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure fund.

Minister Jones said the four projects would share in $6.5 million and added “this support will be vital in these challenging COVID-19 times.

“The pandemic has hit the state’s tourism industry hard but the government is carefully lifting restrictions to allow for intrastate travel for Queenslanders and opening up to other travellers when possible.

“The government is partnering with these project proponents to deliver new tourism infrastructure and experiences that will boost the region’s economy.

The four projects offered support are:

•$500,000 towards Wildlife Habitat's new CrocArena at Port Douglas, including enclosures for three  male crocodiles, a presentation platform, stadium seating and the ability for guests to "Snorkel with the Salties”

•$2 million towards an additional 40 van sites, amenities block and other supporting infrastructure for Paronella Park at Mena Creek.

•$3 million towards the construction of Dreamtime Island for Reef Magic Cruises in Cairns. This will be a large floating activity platform on the northern Great Barrier Reef showcasing the reef, indigenous culture and sustainable scientific reef research.

•$1 million towards the construction of up to 21 air-conditioned, en-suite accommodation units to support the Undara Experience including the famous Lava Tubes at Mount Surprise

Image top Cairns tropical beach and image above Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas crocodile