Logan City Council looks to boost nature-based tourism

Logan City Council has launched a new financial incentive to help boost nature-based tourism and create more short-stay tourist parks.

In a bid to encourage smaller operators to embrace this growing tourism markets, the Council has announced that it will defer the infrastructure charges payable for nature-based tourism camp sites and tourist parks to a maximum of $100,000.

Leafy bushland areas in the city’s south and west, the upper reaches of the Logan and Albert Rivers and tidal reaches of the lower Logan River are seen as being well-suited to nature-based tourism and camping-kayaking experiences.

The deferment of infrastructure charges will significantly reduce the establishment costs for landowners to allow tourists to enjoy their private property locations.

Logan City Council Economic Development Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said tourism contributes more than $340 million each year to the local economy, noting “everyone is welcome in the City of Logan.

“The majority of visitors to our city are day trippers but we hope to encourage more of them to stay overnight and experience more of what our city has to offer.

“Nature-based tourism is a fast-growing sector and we expect considerable interest from those wanting to enjoy our waterways, rural areas and bushland settings.

“Increasing overnight stays not only boosts our local economy through increased spending, it also creates more local jobs.”

The current Logan Planning Scheme has clear definitions on tourist parks and nature-based tourism.

A tourist park is defined as holiday accommodation in caravans, self-contained cabins, tents or similar structures.

Nature-based tourism is environmentally responsible accommodation such as lodges, cabins, huts and tents that allow tourists to appreciate and help conserve areas of environmental, cultural or heritage value.

Any applications for deferral of infrastructure charges for proposed tourist parks or nature-based tourism must also comply with all other relevant parts of the Planning Scheme.

Earlier this month, Logan City Council has launched a new tourism destination brand - Explore Logan, introducing visitors to the best the city has to offer, from its thriving art scene to a menu of culinary experiences, and a passion for sport and adventure.

Images: Kayaking, canoeing and camping are activities perfectly suited to nature-based tourism in the City of Logan (top) and (below, from left): keen fishermen Glen, Keale and Eric Sprudzans. Credit: City of Logan.