The National Visitor Survey, released today, held good news for the region.There was a 16 per cent increase in Mackay visitor numbers over the past twelve months, and those visitors are staying longer and spending more.The National Visitor Survey showed 883,000 Australian tourists visited Mackay, staying an average of four nights and spending $380 million for the year ending June 2017.
Superyacht access a boost to Whitsunday economy
THE introduction of more superyacht anchorages in the Whitsundays, to take effect from today, is a welcome step on an issue I have lobbied for extensively over the past two years.I was very pleased to hear the announcement from Federal Minister for the Environment Josh Frydenberg that amendments to the Whitsundays Plan of Management have been finalised, opening the way for 21 new superyacht anchorages in this world-class tourist destination.I have met with superyacht industry representatives on numerous occasions in the past two years and discussed the case for change with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) as well as the current and former Environment Minister.One superyacht spending a week in port has the potential to inject $50,000 into the local economy and support a number of small businesses. When we see places like Noumea hosting 200 visits a year of a week or more each, we can appreciate the potential for the Whitsundays.
Whitsundays on show in Paris
THE city of Paris is festooned with billboards displaying turtles, Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef as part of the $10million tourism funding package to support our region following the effects of Cyclone Debbie.I welcome the launch of Tourism Australia’s international campaign which was undertaken by the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steve Ciobo last night.I was able to bring Minister Ciobo to the Whitsundays to see firsthand the effects of Cyclone Debbie almost immediately after the event, and it is now heartening to see the results of that visit, which is a concerted effort to showcase our region internationally and beckon international tourists back to this beautiful part of the world.Tourism is so important for our community. It drives the economy and supports local jobs. That’s why the Liberal National Government is working hard to bring tourists back to the region.
Who should call North Queensland home?
21 APRIL 2017: Decentralising government can bring a lot of benefits if it is managed well so I'm asking North Queenslanders to help identify the best options and then I can lobby for North Queensland to be a beneficiary of the Liberal National Government’s decentralisation push.
Tourism numbers for region on the rise
We know it's beautiful one day, perfect the next in Mackay and the Whitsundays, and others are working that out too.The latest latest tourism data released today shows an increase of 11 per cent in international visitor numbers to Mackay in the last 12 months, and an increase of 19 per cent in international visitor numbers for the Whitsundays.Mackay welcomed 47,000 international visitors in 2016 and they injected $31 million into the economy.The Whitsundays welcomed 248,000 international visitors in that timeframe and they spent $204 million in the region.
8 million visitors: Australia sets new tourism record
14 NOVEMBER 2016: AUSTRALIA welcomed more than eight million international tourists over the past 12 months and the benefits have flowed to North Queensland, especially the Whitsundays. This year’s results from the Australian Bureau of Statistics is the first time Australia has broken the eight million visitor mark.
Next step on $30 million jobs and investment boost
I will meet with other Federal MPs who represent the Bowen Basin region next week to plan the next steps in delivering a $30 million jobs and investment package, bringing to fruition another Coalition Government election commitment.The aim of the Bowen Basin Regional Jobs and Investment Package is to help businesses diversify and to create more jobs on the ground.The next step in getting this $30 million investment out of Government coffers and into businesses and programmes that will provide jobs is to establish a local planning committee which will operate under the guidance of the Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash.
Flicking the switch on cricket lights funding
A PROJECT which will drive sports tourism in Mackay and draw cricket and AFL fans from far afield will now become a reality thanks to a significant boost of Federal Government funding.I’m happy to announce that Harrup Park Country Club’s application for $497,026 in funding under the National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF) to upgrade the lighting at their Premier Oval has been successful.This means that Harrup Park will be able to meet the standards required by Cricket Australia and the AFL to host premier sporting events during the popular evening timeslot which is televised.This million dollar project ($997,026 in total) will stimulate the economy and create jobs both now and into the future.
Decision on backpacker tax a win for region
TODAY’S announcement by Treasurer Scott Morrison that a backpacker tax of 19 cents in the dollar will be introduced next year, rather than a proposed 32.5 cents, is a win for our regional economy.Those in the horticultural, agricultural and tourism sectors in this region had legitimate concerns about the effects of a backpacker tax and I was happy to champion their cause and seek a fairer deal to ensure that the backpacker workforce was not decimated.
$150,000 to keep Aqua Fun Park afloat
I've made the pledge today that a re-elected Coalition Government will provide $150,000 to Aqua Fun Park Mackay - which is a tourism attraction which also provides jobs for young people.The enterprising operation, which will be auspiced under the Not For Profit Trinity Youth and Community Services group, will now be able to purchase their own inflatable fun park equipment so they can keep operating.Operators Amanda Pelagalli and Kirk Langford approached me some months back because they were having trouble keeping their great tourism venture afloat, literally.
$300,000 for Whitehaven Beach walking track
I MET with representatives of the marine tourism industry in Airlie Beach this morning to announce that a re-elected Liberal National Government will invest $300,000 towards a walking track at Whitehaven beach.The construction of a hardened circuit walking track and a lookout deck at the southern end of the famous Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays would help to address issues of overcrowding at the popular tourist destination.
Decision on backpacker tax delivers certainty
The backpacker tax is gone.The Federal Liberal National government is deferring the tax for six months pending a review which is expected to come up with a lower, more competitive tax rate.I met with Bowen Gumlu Growers Association president Carl Walker in Bowen this morning to share the news, which will provide fruit and vegetable growers with greater workforce certainty.The backpackers I spoke to were also happy to hear about it.We definitely need to ensure that our growers have the workers they need to harvest their crops, but we also need to ensure that as many Australians as possible have the opportunity to take up work on farms.
Support for international flights to NZ
It was a pleasure to welcome the Assistant Minister for Immigration Senator James McGrath to Mackay today to shore up support for international flights to New Zealand.International flights out of centres like Mackay and the Whitsundays will provide a vital tourism boost for this region and be a great step forward in diversifying our economic base.Senator McGrath is a fellow Queenslander who understands the value of tourism and I welcome his support of plans by both the Mackay Airport and the Whitsunday Coast Airport to provide direct access to the international market.Senator McGrath met with Mackay Airport general manager Rob Porter and Hello World Mackay managing director Steven Boxall this afternoon.