$3 million to improve Great Barrier Reef island access and act as catalyst for ecotourism opportunities

The Queensland Government is investing $3 million to enhance public access to key Great Barrier Reef islands with funding anticipated to become a catalyst for private investment in new and upgraded resorts, ecotourism opportunities and unique tropical island experiences.

The priority is to improve jetty infrastructure to drive investment in public facilities, new visitor attractions and fresh island accommodation.

Local State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Great Barrier Reef Island Marine Infrastructure Package was part of a wider program for private investment in island tourism.

Gilbert noted “our region can lay claim to some of the world’s best tropical islands, and we want to make it even easier for Queenslanders and visitors to explore and enjoy them,” and added that the state government is working with industry on the delivery of new island jetties for better public access and island investment.

Gilbert added “Tourism is important to this region’s economy, and we have a golden opportunity to build on that by showing our wonderful islands to the world ahead of the 2032 Games.

“More investment in Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef islands means more tourism and more good, secure jobs for our visitor economy.”

The Great Barrier Reef Island Marine Infrastructure initiative follows the Queensland Government’s $25 million Great Barrier Reef Island Resorts Rejuvenation Program.

QLD Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said new nature-based island attractions were identified by the Action Plan for Tourism Recovery to position Queensland for future tourism success.

“We’ve already started conversations with island leaseholders about the potential to improve access,” Minister Hinchliffe said.

“Applications for marine infrastructure funding are open now to Great Barrier Reef island investors.

“Leaseholders on Keswick, Long and Hook islands are the among the investors in this region looking to improve island access. 

“Jetties make access convenient for organised boat tours, as well as the tradies and building materials needed for resort upgrades and ecotourism developments.”

Mackay Isaac Tourism interim Chief Executive Tash Wheeler said the Mackay Isaac region offered a huge diversity of island tourism opportunities.

Wheeler advised “with unique island landscapes, white sand beaches, tropical rainforests and native wildlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the islands.

“A particular challenge for the region is island access because of minimal maritime infrastructure, boat ramps or transportation.

“If there is good accessibility for the movement of goods, services and people, there’s potential to develop the region’s island tourism and economy.”

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Rick Hamilton welcomed Queensland Government's investment in the Whitsunday islands adding “this has potential to enhance the region's impressive portfolio of world class island experiences.

“It’s about building on our existing island product offering and opening up our stunning national parks and walking trails for visitor access.”