Six Queensland ecotourism projects to share in $9.2 million state government funding

The Queensland Government’s Activate Ecotourism Infrastructure initiative is investing $9.2 million in six projects designed to encourage an extra 196,000 visitors.

The ecotourism projects being backing are near protected areas to make it easier for visitors to enjoy Queensland’s natural assets.

The ecotourism projects are predicted to generate nearly $64 million each year for Queensland’s visitor economy with the Government’s $9.2 million in co-funding support leveraging $76 million in private ecotourism investment.

Incentivising investment in ecotourism is a key element of Queensland’s Toward Tourism 2032 roadmap to increase the size of the State’s visitor economy to $44 billion.

Activate Ecotourism is part of the Queensland Government’s $74 million election commitment to accelerate the Queensland tourism industry’s pandemic recovery.

The six co-funded ecotourism initiatives are:

• The refurbishment of the Turtle Sands Nature Retreat at Mon Repos

• A luxury walkers’ camp on freehold land at Binna Burra, adjacent to Lamington National Park

• An outdoor tourism hub in the Pioneer Valley near Mackay

• Construction of Jarramali Indigenous Rock Art stays on Cape York

• An upgrade of the Carnarvon Gorge Holiday Park including new ecotourism accommodation and restaurant with a renewable power system

• Nature-based luxury glamping pods and eco-lodgings with conference, events and beach club facilities on South Stradbroke Island

Local State Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith shares “The loggerhead turtle nesting grounds at Mon Repos are one of the world’s unique, premier ecotourism experiences, and they’re in our own backyard. 

“Turtle Sands’ transformation will create a responsible, genuine ecotourism experience that supports turtle conservation while generating 34 ongoing jobs and $13 million for the Bundaberg region’s visitor economy.”

Local State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert added “The natural environment of the Pioneer Valley near Mackay has amazing potential as an international mountain bike destination.

“Delivering more than 40 construction and ongoing jobs, the Pioneer Valley Outdoor Tourism Hub is about boosting access to the region’s outstanding fishing and hiking experiences.

“Able to accommodate up to 26 visitors, the Hub will also support future mountain biking tours and generate up to $3 million for the Mackay region’s visitor economy.”

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon shared “The Plan’s focus is the ongoing preservation of Queensland’s national parks and world heritage areas. It also includes supporting new ecotourism projects adjacent to protected areas by re-using developed and already-degraded land.”

Image. Turtle Sands Caravan Park at Mon Repos; Image above Pioneer Valley Credit: TEQ