Tourism leaders appointed to Wet Tropics Management Authority

The Queensland Government has appointed tourism leaders Natassia Wheeler and Michael Nelson to the Wet Tropics Management Authority Board, bringing greater tourism expertise to oversee the World Heritage site.

Wheeler and Nelson last month joined the Authority’s Board, which manages and protects the Far North’s Wet Tropics World Heritage Area to ensure its conservation, sustainable use, and engagement with Indigenous communities and stakeholders.

The Wet Tropics Management Authority Board is made up of seven directors and plays a key role in ensuring Australia meets its international obligations for the Wet Tropics under the World Heritage Convention. 

As Queensland Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive, Wheeler has extensive knowledge of tourism leadership and governance from across Queensland.  

Nelson, Managing Director of Pinnacle Tourism Marketing has three decades of hands-on experience promoting Tropical North Queensland’s most iconic experiences, including Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and Green Island Resort.

QLD Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said Wheeler’s and Nelson’s extensive tourism experience would be a great asset to the Wet Tropics Management Authority Board. 

Minister Powell noted “their understanding of visitor expectations and sustainable tourism practices will help to strike the crucial balance between protecting the Wet Tropics’ outstanding natural and cultural values, while ensuring more people have the opportunity to experience and appreciate them. 

“By continuing to protect the environmental values of the magnificent Wet Tropics, we can also assure we maximise the region’s tourism potential, and contribute to the local economy in a responsible and sustainable way.

"Importantly, Natassia’s and Michael’s expertise comes just as we prepare to launch our Wet Tropics World Heritage Guides program — a new standard in celebrating and sharing our spectacular environment.”  

Wheeler and Nelson replace outgoing directors Robin Clark and Professor Stephen Williams, with Minister Powell offering his thanks for their contribution over the past three years. 

"Robin and Stephen have been valuable directors during their time on the WTMA Board,” Minister Powell said.

“We sincerely thank them for their dedication and hard work.”

The Wet Tropics Management Authority Board is made up of seven directors and plays a key role in ensuring Australia meets its international obligations for the Wet Tropics under the World Heritage Convention. 

More information on The Wet Tropics Management Authority