$6 million to help bring tourists back to bushfire-impacted communities

$6 million to help bring tourists back to bushfire-impacted communities

JOINT STATEMENT

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick

Scenic Rim, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast and Noosa will be supported by a $6 million tourism recovery package after the southern Queensland spring bushfires.

The package is jointly funded by the federal and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the package would help attract more visitors so money could flow back into the regions.

“This is $6 million to stimulate local economies affected by the fires,” Minister Littleproud said.

“It will bring tourists back so businesses can open their doors and locals have a job to go to.

“This will put $1.5 million into tourism marketing and $500,000 for industry recovery officers.

“It also provides $1 million to restore trails in the renowned Lamington National Park.

“The best ways to help a community recover is to get the local economy moving, he said.

“We will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these communities and make more assistance available as it’s needed.”

Minister for State Development and Minister responsible for the QRA Cameron Dick said it was crucial to attract visitors back to bushfire-impacted areas.

“In Queensland, most of our tourist trade is centred on the natural environment: national parks, wildlife, vineyards,” Mr Dick said.

“The destruction of historic Binna Burra Lodge in particular has severely affected the Scenic Rim, with jobs lost and suppliers suffering. 

“This exceptional circumstances package is about taking a holistic approach to community-led recovery initiatives.

“That’s why we’re also providing Southern Downs Regional Council and Scenic Rim Regional Council with $1.5 million each to invest in tourism recovery projects.

“This $6 million funding will support operators, improve infrastructure and help promote the best of southern Queensland to bring visitors back,” he said.

“It will build on the strengths of these regions and boost local economies.”