Mackay And Whitsunday Tourism Operators Shape Future With 20-Year Master Plan

Big plans for the region arise as tourism operators and stakeholders from Mackay and the Whitsundays come together to shape the region’s future, contributing “dozens” of ideas and feedback towards a bold 20-year master plan.

Destination 2045: Queensland’s Tourism Future, is the Crisafulli Government’s ambitious blueprint aimed at positioning the state as a leading global destination. The plan has been the focus of extensive regional consultation sessions, designed to gather insights from local communities and industry leaders.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell highlighted the significance of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as a fundamental opportunity for Queensland’s tourism sector.

“We’ve come into government and acknowledged that with 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games, we have a green and gold runway that we cannot waste from a tourism perspective,” Minister Powell said.

“We’ve got to make sure that our entire state is ready for the world to be focused on it during that Olympic period.

“When that time is over, we want people that have come for the sport to keep coming back for the rest of the state.”

The consultation process has involved online surveys, regional roadshows, and targeted industry discussions to develop a comprehensive vision for Queensland’s visitor economy.

“We are on the threshold of an unprecedented opportunity, with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games spotlighting Queensland to the world,” Minister Powell said.

“This is our moment to capitalise, to innovate, and to lay down the tracks for a legacy that will benefit not just today's Queenslanders but generations to follow.

Key themes of the consultation paper include ecotourism, investment attraction, tourism experience development, events, improved access and connectivity, and maximising the 2032 Games’ legacy.

Minister Powell stressed the importance of local insight in crafting a robust and inclusive tourism strategy.

“Queenslanders know their own communities better than anyone, and I encourage everyone to contribute to the consultation process so we can chart a path forward.

“Together, we can craft a vision for Queensland that reflects the aspirations and spirit of future generations.”

Local Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton, reinforced the region’s critical role in Queensland’s tourism sector.

“We know people use our area as a jumping off point to see the Great Barrier Reef. But Mackay has so much more to offer,” Mr Dalton said.

“These consultation sessions are a great opportunity for our voices to be heard.”

With six regional workshops and four deep-dive sessions still to be held, feedback will continue to be gathered until the end of February.

Tourism supports one in every 12 jobs across the state, and the Crisafulli Government remains committed to growing the sector and establishing Queensland as Australia’s premier visitor destination.

For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/dest2045.

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Caption: Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell

Caption: Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell, and Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton, met at the Bluewater Quay in Mackay last Tuesday to discuss the region’s vital role in shaping Queensland’s 20-year tourism master plan. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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