Whitsunday Skyway project among focus proposals for new Queensland Tourism Cabinet Committee

Queensland Premier, David Crisafulli, has announced the establishment of a Tourism Cabinet Committee, which will drive tourism productivity and delivery for Queensland.

The announcement was made during the DestinationQ Conference last week, held during the sector’s annual ‘Tourism Week’.

A 20-year tourism strategy for Queensland will also be a major focus of the Committee, which will monitor the development and delivery, including reviewing business cases for major tourism proposals.

Members of the Committee include:

• Minister for Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell (Chair)

• Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie

• Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last

• Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander

• Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg

• Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy.

Premier Crisafulli noted “work has already commenced on a 20-year tourism strategy outlined in our 100-day plan and this Tourism Cabinet Committee will be instrumental in delivering it.

“Tourism is one of State’s biggest exports and with many Queensland jobs relying on it, we must do more to deliver major new tourism projects for our state.

“Developing new tourism products, promoting them to the world and focusing on the future of the industry are keys to the continued growth and success of the sector.

“Ecotourism is one example of what we must do into the future, with projects including the Skyway in the Whitsundays and the Wangetti Trail in the Far North as key examples of what we should be working toward.”

The Whitsunday Skyway will be a dynamic new tourism attraction on the outskirts of Airlie Beach, right in the midst of Conway National Park. It will consist of a cable car, scenic viewpoints, food and beverage services, and a range of activities and programs. The various attractions will be surrounded by the glorious natural beauty of the Whitsunday Islands, Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, and Conway National Park wilderness.

The Whitsunday Skyway will also promote outdoor adventures and fitness, with ropes courses, mountain bike trails, and a downhill luge cart adding to the excitement. Existing bushwalking trails will also be respected and have access points at the new attraction. There will also be a booking centre where visitors can browse and sign up for other regional activities.

The idea for the Whitsunday Skyway was proposed by the Australian Adventure Tourism Group (AATG). Developments for the project are currently underway, with input from various sections of the Queensland Government and the Gia and Ngaro Traditional Owners of the land. Private investors are helping to fund the project, which is estimated to bring significant growth to Whitsunday tourism.

More information on Whitsunday Skyway 

Images. Concepts for proposed Whitsunday Skyway. Credit: Whitsunday Skyway