Queensland Government funds new regional attractions and ecotourism projects 

New regional attractions and ecotourism projects are being funded through the Queensland Government’s $25 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund with eight projects either about to begin, underway or recently completed.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe noted that in the wake of  COVID, the State Government is backing businesses with the confidence to create new visitor experiences.

Projects include:

•$2 million for the Outback Gondwana Foundation at Eromanga to build a gallery for the 30-metre skeleton of a Titanosaur to grow outback tourism. Completion expected by August.

•$1.086 million for 65 powered and non-powered campsites and eight, five-star luxury eco-tents at Splitters Farm, Bundaberg which is predicted to attract 66,000 visitors per year. Completion expected in late July.

•$1.3 million for five, self-contained eco-accommodation pods at the Overflow Estate Winery. Completion by late July.

•$2.25 million to build nine cottages and villas for Dusty Joes Winery, tavern, restaurant and cellar door experience. Completion by May. 

•$1.21 million for a 15,000 metre2 expansion of Lone Pine Wildlife Sanctuary with boardwalks, new exhibits and night tours. Completion expected June 2022

•$990,000 for The North Stores on Mount Tamborine to create a new food tourism attraction with workshop and market garden where visitors can enjoy a garden to plate experience. Completion expected in November.        

Minister Hinchliffe said the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund had supported a total of 22 projects across Queensland adding “The Palaszczuk Government rebooted the fund last year at the height of the pandemic to help tourism operators to renew for the future by creating new attractions and visitor experiences.

“By bringing new tourism experiences to market we expect to attract almost 750,000 visitors to regional Queensland and boost the annual visitor economy by $193 million.”

Image courtesy of Lone Pine Wildlife Sanctuary Kangaroo Reserve