$6 million funding for Queensland tourist destinations impacted by bushfires

December 21, 2019

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

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

Explaining that the funding is crucial to attract visitors back to bushfire-impacted areas, Queensland Minister for State Development and Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Cameron Dick stated “in Queensland, most of our tourist trade is centred on the natural environment: national parks, wildlife, vineyards.

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

Damage to the historic Binna Burra Lodge in the Gold Coast hinterland was described as “quite extreme” by Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen.

Fire caused extensive damage to the resort site, destroying the heritage-listed wooden lodge building that had stood since the 1930s.

Aerial footage of the heritage-listed accommodation showed both its wooden cabins and its new Sky Lodge apartments had also been affected.

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

Queensland Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud advised the package would help attract more visitors so money could flow back into the regions adding “this is $6 million to stimulate local economies affected by the fires.

“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.”

20th December 2019 - Bushfires see luxury NSW Blue Mountains resort suspends arrivals

19th December 2019 - Sapphire Coast tourism operators urge holidaymakers not to be deterred by bushfires

16th December 2019 - Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens threatened by bushfire

29th November 2019 - Queensland Government targets Europe with new tourism marketing blitz

18th November 2019 - Aussie Ark calls for wildlife support during bushfires

12th November 2019 - Bushfires cause cancellation of Rally Australia World Championship event

21st June 2019 - Fearing a ‘building tsunami’ of visitors Noosa Council looks at overtourism solutions

10th March 2019 - Sunshine Coast to host major tourism industry events

12th December 2018 - Queensland National Parks start reopening in aftermath of bushfires

14th October 2016 - Huge Kimberley bushfire threatens key Western Australian wildlife sanctuary

24th July 2016 - New Scenic Rim Trail approved as part Queensland strategy for tourism in National Parks

10th October 2015 - Federal Environment Minister orders inquiry into Kakadu bushfire

15th December 2013 - Bushfire information kits for tourism businesses

15th November 2013 - Bushfires spark $30 million in losses for Blue Mountains tourism

10th February 2009 - Sport Rallies for Bushfire Relief

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