Tourism master plan to be built for Magnetic Island

The Queensland Government is delivering $130,000 toward developing the Magnetic Island 2030 Tourism Master Plan which is considered to be an important step for growing visitor numbers. 

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe noted “this will be the blueprint for developing a long-term tourism strategy for Magnetic Island. Development of the master plan will look at existing tourism infrastructure on Maggie and identify investment and sustainable development opportunities with potential to create more visitor experiences for Townsville’s tourism economy.”      

Local State Member for Townsville and Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart said Magnetic Island was the jewel in the city’s tourism crown and noted “we know Maggie is an island of opportunity, but we don’t want to lose the natural attractions that make Magnetic Island a much-loved getaway destination.

“With over two-thirds of Magnetic Island declared as National Park, we have a terrific chance to highlight the island’s natural beauty in a planned and environmentally and socially sensitive way.”

The State Government is continuing to deliver the infrastructure Magnetic Island needs including the recently upgraded Forts Junction car park, new walking tracks and funding to upgrade local roads.

Townsville City Council Mayor Jenny Hill advised “Townsville City Council has been working in partnership with Tourism Magnetic Island (TMI) for some time in order to identify barriers and opportunities for new and enhanced tourism on the Island.

“Council and TMI recently conducted a survey of residents and tourism operators on the island which reinforced residents were positive towards tourism but want to be involved in planning for the future to ensure we get that balance right.”

TMI chair Richard McArthur said they welcomed this incredibly important funding and important first step adding “Overall, the plan will help the tourism industry on Magnetic Island and Townsville in its recovery from the global pandemic. We look forward to working with the community on the development of this plan.”

 The community will be invited to provide feedback on the Magnetic Island 2030 Master Plan by mid-2022.

Image courtesy townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au/